Proverbs 24:1-9

Don’t envy the wealth of the wicked or crave their company. For they’re obsessed with causing trouble and their conversations are corrupt. Wise people are builders — they build families, businesses, communities. And through intelligence and insight their enterprises are established and endure. Because of their skilled leadership, the hearts of people are filled with the treasures of wisdom and the pleasures of spiritual wealth. Wisdom can make anyone into a mighty warrior, and revelation-knowledge increases strength. Wise strategy is necessary to wage war, and with many astute advisers you’ll see the path to victory more clearly. Wisdom is a treasure too lofty for a quarreling fool — he’ll have nothing to say when leaders gather together. There is one who makes plans to do evil— Master Schemer is his name. If you plan to do evil, it’s as wrong as doing it. And everyone detests a troublemaker.