Proverbs 24 · משלי

Be not envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them.

For their heart studies destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

Through wisdom a house is built; and by understanding it is established:

and by knowledge are the chambers filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

A wise man is strong; and a man of knowledge increases strength.

For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is victory.

Wisdom it too high for a fool: he does not open his mouth in the gate.

He who devises to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.

The devising of folly is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small:

if thou forbear to rescue those who are drawn to death, and those who are ready to be slain;

if thou sayst, Behold, we knew it not, does not he who ponders the heart consider it? and he who keeps thy soul, does he not know it? and shall he not render to every man according to his works?

My son, eat honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:

know that such is wisdom for thy soul! when hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; do not plunder his resting place:

for a just man falls seven times, and yet rises up again: but the wicked stumble into mischief.

Do not rejoice when thy enemy falls, and do not let thy heart be glad when he stumbles:

lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

Fret not thyself because of evil men, nor be envious at the wicked;

for there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and do not meddle with them who are given to change:

for their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knows the ruin of them both?

These words also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

He who says to the wicked, Thou art in the right; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:

but those who rebuke the wicked shall have delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

Like a kiss on the lips, it is when one gives a right answer.

Prepare thy work outside, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thy house.

Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.

Do not say, I will do so to him as he has done to me: I will render to the man according to his deeds.

I went by the field of a lazy man, and by the vineyard of a man void of understanding;

and, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered it over, and its stone wall was broken down.

Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep

so shall thy poverty come like a marauder; and thy want like an armed man.