Proverbs 24

English NASU 1989 - New American Standard Update - Only for Website

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1Be not emulous of evil men, and desire not to be with them;

2For their hearts plot violence, and their lips speak of foul play.

3By wisdom is a house built, by understanding is it made firm;

4And by knowledge are its rooms filled with every precious and pleasing possession.

5A wise man is more powerful than a strong man, and a man of knowledge than a man of might;

6For it is by wise guidance that you wage your war, and the victory is due to a wealth of counselors.

7For a fool, to be silent is wisdom; not to open his mouth at the gate.

8He who plots evil doing-- men call him an intriguer.

9Beyond intrigue and folly and sin, it is arrogance that men find abominable.

10If you remain indifferent in time of adversity, your strength will depart from you.

11Rescue those who are being dragged to death, and from those tottering to execution withdraw not.

12If you say, "I know not this man!" does not he who tests hearts perceive it? He who guards your life knows it, and he will repay each one according to his deeds.

13If you eat honey, my son, because it is good, if virgin honey is sweet to your taste;

14Such, 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.

15Lie not in wait against the home of the just man, ravage not his dwelling place;

16For the just man falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble to ruin.

17Rejoice not when your enemy falls, and when he stumbles, let not your heart exult,

18Lest the LORD see it, be displeased with you, and withdraw his wrath from your enemy.

19Be not provoked with evildoers, nor envious of the wicked;

20For the evil man has no future, the lamp of the wicked will be put out.

21My son, fear the LORD and the king; have nothing to do with those who rebel against them;

22For suddenly arises the destruction they send, and the ruin from either one, who can measure?

23These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.

24He who says to the wicked man, "You are just"-- men will curse him, people will denounce him;

25But those who convict the evildoer will fare well, and on them will come the blessing of prosperity.

26He gives a kiss on the lips who makes an honest reply.

27Complete your outdoor tasks, and arrange your work in the field; afterward you can establish your house.

28Be not a witness against your neighbor without just cause, thus committing folly with your lips.

29Say not, "As he did to me, so will I do to him; I will repay the man according to his deeds."

30I passed by the field of the sluggard, by the vineyard of the man without sense;

31And behold! it was all overgrown with thistles; its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall broken down.

32And as I gazed at it, I reflected; I saw and learned the lesson:

33A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms to rest--

34Then will poverty come upon you like a highwayman, and want like an armed man.

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