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24:1  Do not envy the wicked, nor desire to be with them;
24:2  For their hearts plot violence, and their lips speak of foul play.
24:3  By wisdom a house is built, by understanding it is established;
24:4  And by knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and pleasing possession.
24:5  The wise are more powerful than the strong, and the learned, than the mighty,
24:6  For by strategy war is waged, and victory depends on many counselors.
24:7  Wise words are beyond fools’ reach, in the assembly they do not open their mouth;
24:8  As they calculate how to do evil, people brand them troublemakers.
24:9  The scheme of a fool gains no acceptance, the scoffer is an abomination to the community.
24:10  Did you fail in a day of adversity, did your strength fall short?
24:11  Did you fail to rescue those who were being dragged off to death, those tottering, those near death,
24:12  because you said, “We didn’t know about it”? Surely, the Searcher of hearts knows and will repay all according to their deeds.
24:13  If you eat honey, my son, because it is good, if pure honey is sweet to your taste,
24:14  Such, you must know, is wisdom to your soul. If you find it, you will have a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
24:15  Do not lie in wait at the abode of the just, do not ravage their dwelling places;
24:16  Though the just fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble from only one mishap.
24:17  Do not rejoice when your enemies fall, and when they stumble, do not let your heart exult,
24:18  Lest the Lord see it, be displeased with you, and withdraw his wrath from your enemies.
24:19  Do not be provoked at evildoers, do not envy the wicked;
24:20  For the evil have no future, the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
24:21  My son, fear the Lord and the king; have nothing to do with those who hate them;
24:22  For disaster will issue suddenly, and calamity from them both, who knows when?
24:23  These also are Words of the Wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.
24:24  Whoever says to the guilty party, “You are innocent,” will be cursed by nations, scorned by peoples;
24:25  But those who render just verdicts will fare well, and on them will come the blessing of prosperity.
24:26  An honest reply— a kiss on the lips.
24:27  Complete your outdoor tasks, and arrange your work in the field; afterward you can build your house.
24:28  Do not testify falsely against your neighbor and so deceive with your lips.
24:29  Do not say, “As they did to me, so will I do to them; I will repay them according to their deeds.”
24:30  I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of one with no sense;
24:31  It was all overgrown with thistles; its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall broken down.
24:32  As I gazed at it, I reflected; I saw and learned a lesson:
24:33  A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms to rest—
24:34  Then poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like a brigand.