24. He who says to the wicked, You are righteous and innocent–peoples will curse him, nations will defy and abhor him.
25. But to those [upright judges] who rebuke the wicked, it will go well with them and they will find delight, and a good blessing will be upon them.
26. He kisses the lips [and wins the hearts of men] who give a right answer.
27. [Put first things first.] Prepare your work outside and get it ready for yourself in the field; and afterward build your house and establish a home.
28. Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause, and deceive not with your lips. [Eph. 4:25.]
29. Say not, I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for his deed. [Prov. 20:22; Matt. 5:39, 44; Rom. 12:17, 19.]
30. I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
31. And, behold, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles were covering its face, and its stone wall was broken down.
32. Then I beheld and considered it well; I looked and received instruction.
33. Yet 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.