21. Fear the Lord, my son.Fear the king as well.Do not associate with those who always insist upon change,
22. because disaster will come to them suddenly.Who knows what misery both may bring?
23. These also are the sayings of wise people:Showing partiality as a judge is not good.
24. Whoever says to a guilty person, “You are innocent,”will be cursed by people and condemned by nations.
25. But people will be pleased with those who convict a guilty person,and a great blessing will come to them.
26. Giving a straight answer is ⌊like⌋ a kiss on the lips.
27. Prepare your work outside,and get things ready for yourself in the field.Afterwards, build your house.
28. Do not testify against your neighbor without a reason,and do not deceive with your lips.
29. Do not say,“I’ll treat him as he treated me.I’ll pay him back for what he has done to me.”
30. I passed by a lazy person’s field,the vineyard belonging to a person without sense.
31. I saw that it was all overgrown with thistles.The ground was covered with weeds,and its stone fence was torn down.