More Sayings of the Wise

²³These also are sayings of the wise.

Partiality in judging is not good.

²⁴Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,”

will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,

²⁵but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,

and a good blessing will come upon them.

²⁶Whoever gives an honest answer

kisses the lips.

²⁷Prepare your work outside;

get everything ready for yourself in the field,

and after that build your house.

²⁸Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause,

and do not deceive with your lips.

²⁹Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me;

I will pay the man back for what he has done.”

³⁰I passed by the field of a sluggard,

by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,

³¹and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;

the ground was covered with nettles,

and its stone wall was broken down.

³²Then I saw and considered it;

I looked and received instruction.

³³A little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands to rest,

³⁴and poverty will come upon you like a robber,

and want like an armed man.

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