24:1   Don't be envious of evil people, and don't try to make friends with them.

24:2   Causing trouble is all they ever think about; every time they open their mouth someone is going to be hurt.

24:3   Homes are built on the foundation of wisdom and understanding.

24:4   Where there is knowledge, the rooms are furnished with valuable, beautiful things.

24:5   Being wise is better than being strong; yes, knowledge is more important than strength.

24:6   After all, you must make careful plans before you fight a battle, and the more good advice you get, the more likely you are to win.

24:7   Wise sayings are too deep for stupid people to understand. They have nothing to say when important matters are being discussed.

24:8   If you are always planning evil, you will earn a reputation as a troublemaker.

24:9   Any scheme a fool thinks up is sinful. People hate a person who has nothing but scorn for others.

24:10   If you are weak in a crisis, you are weak indeed.

24:11   Don't hesitate to rescue someone who is about to be executed unjustly.

24:12   You may say that it is none of your business, but God knows and judges your motives. He keeps watch on you; he knows. And he will reward you according to what you do.

24:13   My child, eat honey; it is good. And just as honey from the comb is sweet on your tongue,

24:14   you may be sure that wisdom is good for the soul. Get wisdom and you have a bright future.

24:15   Don't be like the wicked who scheme to rob honest people or to take away their homes.

24:16   No matter how often honest people fall, they always get up again; but disaster destroys the wicked.

24:17   Don't be glad when your enemies meet disaster, and don't rejoice when they stumble.

24:18   The LORD will know if you are gloating, and he will not like it; and then maybe he won't punish them.

24:19   Don't let evil people worry you; don't be envious of them.

24:20   A wicked person has no future---nothing to look forward to.

24:21   Have reverence for the LORD, my child, and honor the king. Have nothing to do with people who rebel against them;

24:22   such people could be ruined in a moment. Do you realize the disaster that God or the king can cause?

24:23   The wise have also said these things: It is wrong for judges to be prejudiced.

24:24   If they pronounce a guilty person innocent, they will be cursed and hated by everyone.

24:25   Judges who punish the guilty, however, will be prosperous and enjoy a good reputation.

24:26   An honest answer is a sign of true friendship.

24:27   Don't build your house and establish a home until your fields are ready, and you are sure that you can earn a living.

24:28   Don't give evidence against others without good reason, or say misleading things about them.

24:29   Don't say, "I'll do to them just what they did to me! I'll get even with them!"

24:30   I walked through the fields and vineyards of a lazy, stupid person.

24:31   They were full of thorn bushes and overgrown with weeds. The stone wall around them had fallen down.

24:32   I looked at this, thought about it, and learned a lesson from it:

24:33   Go ahead and take your nap; go ahead and sleep. Fold your hands and rest awhile,

24:34   but while you are asleep, poverty will attack you like an armed robber.