| Chapter 24 |
1 |
Don`t you be envious against evil men; Neither desire to be with them: |
2 |
For their hearts plot violence, And their lips talk about mischief. |
3 |
Through wisdom a house is built; By understanding it is established; |
4 |
By knowledge the rooms are filled With all rare and beautiful treasure. |
5 |
A wise man has great power; And a knowledgeable man increases strength; |
6 |
For by wise guidance you wage your war; And victory is in many advisors. |
7 |
Wisdom is too high for a fool: He doesn`t open his mouth in the gate. |
8 |
One who plots to do evil Will be called a schemer. |
9 |
The schemes of folly are sin. The mocker is detested by men. |
10 |
If you falter in the time of trouble, Your strength is small. |
11 |
Rescue those who are being led away to death! Indeed, hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter! |
12 |
If you say, "Behold, we didn`t know this;" Doesn`t he who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, doesn`t he know it? Shall he not render to every man according to his work? |
13 |
My son, eat honey, for it is good; The droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to your taste: |
14 |
So you shall know wisdom to be to your soul; If you have found it, then will there be a reward, Your hope will not be cut off. |
15 |
Don`t lay in wait, wicked man, against the habitation of the righteous. Don`t destroy his resting-place: |
16 |
For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises up again; But the wicked are overthrown by calamity. |
17 |
Don`t rejoice when your enemy falls. Don`t let your heart be glad when he is overthrown; |
18 |
Lest Yahweh see it, and it displease him, And he turn away his wrath from him. |
19 |
Don`t fret yourself because of evildoers; Neither be envious of the wicked: |
20 |
For there will be no reward to the evil man; And the lamp of the wicked shall be snuffed out. |
21 |
My son, fear Yahweh and the king. Don`t join those who are rebellious: |
22 |
For their calamity will rise suddenly; The destruction from them both -- who knows? |
23 |
These also are sayings of the wise. To show partiality in judgment is not good. |
24 |
He who says to the wicked, "You are righteous;" Peoples shall curse him, and nations shall abhor him -- |
25 |
But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, And a rich blessing will come on them. |
26 |
An honest answer Is like a kiss on the lips. |
27 |
Prepare your work outside. Make it ready for you in the field. Afterwards, build your house. |
28 |
Don`t be a witness against your neighbor without cause. Don`t deceive with your lips. |
29 |
Don`t say, "I will do to him as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work." |
30 |
I went by the field of the sluggard, By the vineyard of the man void of understanding; |
31 |
Behold, it was all grown over with thorns. Its surface was covered with nettles, And its stone wall was broken down. |
32 |
Then I saw, and considered well. I saw, and received instruction: |
33 |
A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep; |
34 |
So shall your poverty come as a robber, And your want as an armed man. |