21. My son, fear the Lord, as well as the king, and don’t associate with rebels,
22. for destruction from them will come suddenly;who knows what distress these two can bring?
23. These sayings also belong to the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment.
24. Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent” —people will curse him, and tribes will denounce him;
25. but it will go well with those who convict the guilty,and a generous blessing will come to them.
26. He who gives an honest answergives a kiss on the lips.
27. Complete your outdoor work, and prepare your field; afterward, build your house.
28. Don’t testify against your neighbor without cause. Don’t deceive with your lips.
29. Don’t say, “I’ll do to him what he did to me;I’ll repay the man for what he has done.”
30. I went by the field of a slackerand by the vineyard of a man lacking sense.
31. Thistles had come up everywhere,weeds covered the ground, and the stone wall was ruined.
32. I saw, and took it to heart;I looked, and received instruction:
33. a little sleep, a little slumber,a little folding of the arms to rest,
34. and your poverty will come like a robber,your need, like a bandit.