[1] Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them; [2] for their
minds devise violence, and their lips talk of mischief. [3] By wisdom a
house is built, and by understanding it is established; [4] by knowledge
the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. [5] A wise man
is mightier than a strong man, and a man of knowledge than he who has
strength; [6] for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance
of counselors there is victory. [7] Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the
gate he does not open his mouth. [8] He who plans to do evil will be called
a mischief-maker. [9] The devising of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an
abomination to men. [10] If you faint in the day of adversity, your
strength is small. [11] Rescue those who are being taken away to death;
hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. [12] If you say,
"Behold, we did not know this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive
it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not
requite man according to his work? [13] My son, eat honey, for it is good,
and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. [14] Know that
wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and
your hope will not be cut off. [15] Lie not in wait as a wicked man against
the dwelling of the righteous; do not violence to his home; [16] for a
righteous man falls seven times, and rises again; but the wicked are
overthrown by calamity. [17] Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let
not your heart be glad when he stumbles; [18] lest the LORD see it, and be
displeased, and turn away his anger from him. [19] Fret not yourself
because of evildoers, and be not envious of the wicked; [20] for the evil
man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out. [21] My son,
fear the LORD and the king, and do not disobey either of them; [22] for
disaster from them will rise suddenly, and who knows the ruin that will
come from them both? [23] These also are sayings of the wise. Partiality in
judging is not good. [24] He who says to the wicked, "You are innocent,"
will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations; [25] but those who rebuke
the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will be upon them. [26]
He who gives a right answer kisses the lips. [27] Prepare your work
outside, get everything ready for you in the field; and after that build
your house. [28] Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause, and
do not deceive with your lips. [29] Do not say, "I will do to him as he has
done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done." [30] I passed by
the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man without sense; [31] and
lo, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles,
and its stone wall was broken down. [32] Then I saw and considered it; I
looked and received instruction. [33] A little sleep, a little slumber, a
little folding of the hands to rest, [34] and poverty will come upon you
like a robber, and want like an armed man.
