Proverbs 24
The wicked plot evil and speak deceitfully, while the wise build and strengthen their households through wisdom and prudence. A wise person is strong and valiant, and safety comes from many counselors. Those who plan evil are called foolish, and their intentions are sinful. Rescuing those in danger is a virtuous act, and God repays individuals according to their deeds. Wisdom is beneficial to the soul, and the just will rise again after falling, while the wicked will fall into evil. One should not rejoice in an enemy's downfall, nor contend with the wicked, and should fear the Lord and the king.
1Do not imitate evil men, nor desire to be among them2For their mind meditates on robberies, and their lips speak deceptions3By wisdom shall a house be built, and by prudence shall it be strengthened4By doctrine, the storerooms shall be filled with every substance that is precious and most beautiful5A wise man is strong, and a well-taught man is robust and valiant6For war is undertaken in an orderly manner, and safety shall be where there are many counsels7Wisdom is beyond the foolish; at the gate he will not open his mouth8Whoever intends to do evil shall be called foolish9The intention of the foolish is sin. And the detractor is an abomination among men10If you despair, being weary in the day of anguish, your strength will be diminished11Rescue those who are led away to death. And do not cease from delivering those who are dragged away to a violent death12If you would say: "I do not have sufficient strength." He who inspects the heart, the same one understands, and nothing slips past the one who preserves your soul. And he shall repay a man according to his works13My son, eat honey, because it is good, and the honeycomb, because it is so sweet to your throat14So, too, is the doctrine of wisdom to your soul. When you have found it, you will have hope in the end, and your hope shall not perish15Do not lie in wait, and do not seek impiety in the house of the just, nor spoil his rest16For the just one will fall seven times, and he shall rise again. But the impious will fall into evil17When your enemy will fall, do not be glad, and do not let your heart exult in his ruin18lest perhaps the Lord see, and it displease him, and he may take away his wrath from him19Do not contend with the most wicked, and do not be a rival to the impious20For the evil hold no hope in the future, and the lamp of the impious will be extinguished21My son, fear the Lord, as well as the king. And do not mingle with detractors22For their perdition shall rise up suddenly. And who knows what ruin will be for each of them23Likewise, these things are for the wise. It is not good to base judgment on knowledge of character24Those who say to the impious, "You are just," shall be cursed by the people, and the tribes shall detest them25Those who argue against the impious shall be praised, and a blessing shall come upon them26He shall kiss the lips, who responds with upright words27Prepare your outdoor work, and diligently cultivate your field, so that afterward, you may build your house28Do not be a witness without cause against your neighbor. And do not mislead anyone with your lips29Do not say, "I will do to him as he has done to me." I will repay each one according to his work30I passed by the field of a lazy man, and by the vineyard of a foolish man31and behold, it was entirely filled with nettles, and thorns had covered its surface, and the stonewall was destroyed32When I had seen this, I laid it up in my heart, and by this example, I received discipline33You will sleep a little," I said. "You will slumber briefly. You will fold your hands a little, so as to rest34And destitution will overtake you like a runner, and begging will overtake you like an armed man.
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