Proverbs 24:23-34

These also are the sayings of wise people: Showing partiality as a judge is not good. Whoever says to a guilty person, “You are innocent,” will be cursed by people and condemned by nations. But people will be pleased with those who convict a guilty person, and a great blessing will come to them. Giving a straight answer is ⌞like⌟ a kiss on the lips. Prepare your work outside, and get things ready for yourself in the field. Afterwards, build your house. Do not testify against your neighbor without a reason, and do not deceive with your lips. Do not say, “I’ll treat him as he treated me. I’ll pay him back for what he has done to me.” I passed by a lazy person’s field, the vineyard belonging to a person without sense. I saw that it was all overgrown with thistles. The ground was covered with weeds, and its stone fence was torn down. When I observed ⌞this⌟, I took it to heart. I saw it and learned my lesson. “Just a little sleep, just a little slumber, just a little nap.” Then your poverty will come like a drifter, and your need will come like a bandit.