AB - Proverbs - 24

24:1  My son, envy not bad men, nor desire to be with them.

24:2  For their heart meditates falsehoods, and their lips speak of mischief.

24:3  A house is built by wisdom, and is set up by understanding.

24:4  By discretion the chambers are filled with all precious and excellent wealth.

24:5  A wise man is better than a strong man, and a man who has prudence than a large estate.

24:6  War is carried on with wise counsel, and aid is supplied to the heart of a counselor.

24:7  Wisdom and good understanding are in the gates of the wise; the wise turn not aside from the mouth of the Lord,

24:8  (24:7A) but deliberate in council. (24:9) Death befalls uninstructed men.

24:9  The fools also dies in sins, and uncleanness attaches to a pestilent man.

24:10  He shall be defiled in the evil day, and in the day of affliction, until he is utterly consumed.

24:11  Deliver them that are led away to death, and redeem them that are appointed to be slain; spare not your help.

24:12  But if you should say, I know not this man; know that the Lord knows the hearts of all; and He that formed breath for all, He knows all things, who renders to every man according to his works.

24:13  My son, eat honey, for the honeycomb is good, that your mouth may be sweetened.

24:14  Thus shall you perceive wisdom in your soul: for if you find it, your end shall be good, and hope shall not fail you.

24:15  Bring not an ungodly man into the dwelling of the righteous: neither be deceived by the feeding of the belly.

24:16  For a righteous man will fall seven times, and rise again, but the ungodly shall be without strength in troubles.

24:17  If your enemy should fall, rejoice not over him, neither be elated at his overthrow.

24:18  For the Lord will see it, and it will not please Him, and He will turn away His wrath from him.

24:19  Rejoice not in evildoers, neither be envious of sinners.

24:20  For the evil man shall have no posterity, and the light of the wicked shall be put out.

24:21  My son, fear God and the king, and do not disobey either of them.

24:22  For they will suddenly punish the ungodly, and who can know the vengeance inflicted by both? A son that keeps the commandment shall escape destruction, for such a one has fully received it. Let no falsehood be spoken by the king from the tongue; yea, let no falsehood proceed from his tongue. The king's tongue is a sword, and not one of flesh; and whosoever shall be given up to it shall be destroyed: for if his wrath should be provoked, he destroys men with cords, and devours men's bones, and burns them up as a flame, so that they are not even fit to be eaten by the young eagles. My son, honor my words, and receive them, and repent.

24:23  And this thing I say to you that are wise, for you to learn: It is not good to show partiality in judgment.

24:24  He that says of the ungodly, He is righteous, shall be cursed by peoples, and hateful among the nations.

24:25  But they that reprove him shall appear more excellent, and blessing shall come upon them;

24:26  and men will kiss the lips that answer well.

24:27  Prepare your works for your going forth, and prepare yourself for the field; and come after me, and you shall rebuild your house.

24:28  Be not a false witness against your fellow citizen, neither exaggerate with your lips.

24:29  Say not, As he has treated me, so will I treat him, and I will avenge myself on him for that in which he has injured me.

24:30  A foolish man is like a farm, and a senseless man is like a vineyard.

24:31  If you let him alone, he will altogether remain barren and covered with weeds; and he becomes destitute, and his stone walls are broken down.

24:32  Afterwards I reflected, I looked that I might receive instruction.

24:33  The sluggard says, I slumber a little, and I sleep a little, and for a little while I fold my arms across my breast.

24:34  But if you do this, your poverty will come speedily; and your need like a swift courier.