Proverbs 24:16-34

24:16 Although a righteous person may fall seven times, he gets up again,

but the wicked will be brought down by calamity.

24:17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,

and when he stumbles do not let your heart rejoice,

24:18 lest the Lord see it, and be displeased,

and turn his wrath away from him.

24:19 Do not fret because of evil people

or be envious of wicked people,

24:20 for the evil person has no future,

and the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.

24:21 Fear the Lord, my child, as well as the king,

and do not associate with rebels,

24:22 for suddenly their destruction will overtake them,

and who knows the ruinous judgment both the Lord and the king can bring?

Further Sayings of the Wise

24:23 These sayings also are from the wise:

To show partiality in judgment is terrible:

24:24 The one who says to the guilty, “You are innocent,”

peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him.

24:25 But there will be delight for those who convict the guilty,

and a pleasing blessing will come on them.

24:26 Like a kiss on the lips

is the one who gives an honest answer.

24:27 Establish your work outside and get your fields ready;

afterward build your house.

24:28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause,

and do not deceive with your words.

24:29 Do not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me;

I will pay him back according to what he has done.”

24:30 I passed by the field of a sluggard,

by the vineyard of one who lacks wisdom.

24:31 I saw that thorns had grown up all over it,

the ground was covered with weeds,

and its stone wall was broken down.

24:32 When I saw this, I gave careful consideration to it;

I received instruction from what I saw:

24:33 “A little sleep, a little slumber,

a little folding of the hands to relax,

24:34 and your poverty will come like a bandit,

and your need like an armed robber.”