24 ^aHe who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,”
Him the people will curse;
Nations will abhor him. ‡

25 But those who rebuke the wicked will have ^adelight,
And a good blessing will come upon them. ‡

26 He who gives a right answer kisses the lips.

27 ^aPrepare your outside work,
Make it fit for yourself in the field;
And afterward build your house. ‡

28 ^aDo not be a witness against your neighbor without cause,
¹For would you deceive with your lips? ‡

29 ^aDo not say, “I will do to him just as he has done to me;
I will render to the man according to his work.” ‡

30 I went by the field of the lazy man,
And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding;

31 And there it was, ^aall overgrown with thorns;
Its surface was covered with nettles;
Its stone wall was broken down. ‡

32 When I saw it, I considered it well;
I looked on it and received instruction:

33 ^aA little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest; ‡

34 ^aSo shall your poverty come like¹ a prowler,
And your need like¹ an armed man. ‡