New International Reader's Version

Proverbs 24:18-33 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

18. The Lord will see it, but he won't be pleased. He might turn his anger away from your enemy.

19. Don't be upset because of evil people. Don't long for what sinners have.

20. Tomorrow evil people won't have any hope. The lamps of sinners will be blown out.

21. My son, have respect for the Lord and the king. Don't join those who disobey them.

22. The Lord and the king will suddenly destroy them. Who knows what trouble those two can bring?

23. Here are more sayings of those who are wise. Taking sides in court is not good.

24. A curse will fall on those who say the guilty are not guilty. Nations will call down curses on them. People will speak against them.

25. But it will go well with those who sentence guilty people. Rich blessings will come to them.

26. An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

27. Finish your outdoor work. Get your fields ready. After that, build your house.

28. Don't give witness against your neighbor without any reason. Don't use your lips to tell lies.

29. Don't say, "I'll do to him what he did to me. I'll get even with that man for what he did."

30. I went past the field of someone who didn't want to work. I went past the vineyard of a man who didn't have any sense.

31. Thorns had grown up everywhere. The ground was covered with weeds. The stone wall had fallen down.

32. I applied my heart to what I observed. I learned a lesson from what I saw.

33. You might sleep a little or take a little nap. You might even fold your hands and rest.