Proverbs 24:19-32

¹⁹Rejoice not in evil-doers, neither be envious of sinners.

²⁰For the evil man shall have no posterity: and the light of the wicked shall be put out.

²¹My son, fear God and the king; and do not disobey either of them.

²²For they will suddenly punish the ungodly, and who can know the vengeance inflicted by both? A son that keeps the commandment shall escape destruction; for such an one has fully received it. Let no falsehood be spoken by the king from the tongue; yes, let no falsehood proceed from his tongue. The king's tongue is a sword, and not one of flesh; and whoever shall be given up to it shall be destroyed: for if his wrath should be provoked, he destroys men with cords, and devours men's bones, and burns them up as a flame, so that they are not even fit to be eaten by the young eagles. My son, reverence my words, and receive them, and repent.

²³And this thing I say to you that are wise for you to learn: It is not good to have respect of persons in judgement.

²⁴He that says of the ungodly, He is righteous, shall be cursed by peoples, and hateful amongst the nations.

²⁵But they that reprove him shall appear more excellent, and blessing shall come upon them;

²⁶and men will kiss lips that answer well.

²⁷Prepare your works for your going forth, and prepare yourself for the field; and come after me, and you shall rebuild your house.

²⁸Be not a false witness against your fellow citizen, neither exaggerate with your lips.

²⁹Say not, As he has treated me, so will I treat him, and I will avenge myself on him for that wherein he has injured me.

³⁰A foolish man is like a farm, and a senseless man is like a vineyard.

³¹If you let him alone, he will altogether remain barren and covered with weeds; and he becomes destitute, and his stone walls are broken down.

³²Afterwards I reflected, I looked that I might receive instruction.