[1] Don`t you be envious against evil men; Neither desire to be with
them: [2] For their hearts plot violence, And their lips talk about
mischief. [3] Through wisdom a house is built; By understanding it is
established; [4] By knowledge the rooms are filled With all rare and
beautiful treasure. [5] A wise man has great power; And a knowledgeable
man increases strength; [6] For by wise guidance you wage your war; And
victory is in many advisors. [7] Wisdom is too high for a fool: He
doesn`t open his mouth in the gate. [8] One who plots to do evil Will be
called a schemer. [9] The schemes of folly are sin. The mocker is
detested by men. [10] If you falter in the time of trouble, Your
strength is small. [11] Rescue those who are being led away to death!
Indeed, hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter! [12] If you
say, "Behold, we didn`t know this;" Doesn`t he who weighs the hearts
consider it? He who keeps your soul, doesn`t he know it? Shall he
not render to every man according to his work? [13] My son, eat honey, for
it is good; The droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to your
taste: [14] So you shall know wisdom to be to your soul; If you have
found it, then will there be a reward, Your hope will not be cut off.
[15] Don`t lay in wait, wicked man, against the habitation of the
righteous. Don`t destroy his resting-place: [16] For a righteous man
falls seven times, and rises up again; But the wicked are overthrown by
calamity. [17] Don`t rejoice when your enemy falls. Don`t let your heart
be glad when he is overthrown; [18] Lest Yahweh see it, and it displease
him, And he turn away his wrath from him. [19] Don`t fret yourself
because of evildoers; Neither be envious of the wicked: [20] For there
will be no reward to the evil man; And the lamp of the wicked shall be
snuffed out. [21] My son, fear Yahweh and the king. Don`t join those who
are rebellious: [22] For their calamity will rise suddenly; The
destruction from them both -- who knows? [23] These also are sayings of the
wise. To show partiality in judgment is not good. [24] He who says to
the wicked, "You are righteous;" Peoples shall curse him, and nations
shall abhor him -- [25] But it will go well with those who convict the
guilty, And a rich blessing will come on them. [26] An honest answer
Is like a kiss on the lips. [27] Prepare your work outside. Make it
ready for you in the field. Afterwards, build your house. [28] Don`t be
a witness against your neighbor without cause. Don`t deceive with your
lips. [29] Don`t say, "I will do to him as he has done to me; I will
render to the man according to his work." [30] I went by the field of the
sluggard, By the vineyard of the man void of understanding; [31] Behold,
it was all grown over with thorns. Its surface was covered with nettles,
And its stone wall was broken down. [32] Then I saw, and considered
well. I saw, and received instruction: [33] A little sleep, a little
slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep; [34] So shall your
poverty come as a robber, And your want as an armed man.
