1* Do not envy the wicked,

nor desire to be with them;a

2For their hearts plot violence,

and their lips speak of foul play.

3By wisdom a house is built,

by understanding it is established;

4And by knowledge its rooms are filled

with every precious and pleasing possession.

5The wise are more powerful than the strong,

and the learned, than the mighty,b

6For by strategy war is waged,

and victory depends on many counselors.c

7* Wise words are beyond fools’ reach,d

in the assembly they do not open their mouth;

8As they calculate how to do evil,

people brand them troublemakers.

9The scheme of a fool gains no acceptance,

the scoffer is an abomination to the community.

10* Did you fail in a day of adversity,

did your strength fall short?

11Did you fail to rescue those who were being dragged off to death,*

those tottering, those near death,

12because you said, “We didn’t know about it”?

Surely, the Searcher of hearts knows

and will repay all according to their deeds.e

13* If you eat honey, my son, because it is good,

if pure honey is sweet to your taste,

14Such, you must know, is wisdom to your soul.

If you find it, you will have a future,

and your hope will not be cut off.f

15* Do not lie in wait at the abode of the just,

do not ravage their dwelling places;

16Though the just fall seven times, they rise again,

but the wicked stumble from only one mishap.

17* Do not rejoice when your enemies fall,

and when they stumble, do not let your heart exult,

18Lest the Lord see it, be displeased with you,

and withdraw his wrath from your enemies.

19Do not be provoked at evildoers,

do not envy the wicked;

20For the evil have no future,

the lamp of the wicked will be put out.g

21My son, fear the Lord and the king;

have nothing to do with those who hate them;

22For disaster will issue suddenly,

and calamity from them both, who knows when?

23These also are Words of the Wise:

To show partiality in judgment is not good.h

24Whoever says to the guilty party, “You are innocent,”

will be cursed by nations, scorned by peoples;

25But those who render just verdicts will fare well,

and on them will come the blessing of prosperity.

26An honest reply—

a kiss on the lips.*

27Complete your outdoor tasks,

and arrange your work in the field;

afterward you can build your house.*

28Do not testify falsely against your neighbori

and so deceive with your lips.

29Do not say, “As they did to me, so will I do to them;j

I will repay them according to their deeds.”*

30* I passed by the field of a sluggard,

by the vineyard of one with no sense;

31It was all overgrown with thistles;

its surface was covered with nettles,

and its stone wall broken down.

32As I gazed at it, I reflected;

I saw and learned a lesson:

33A little sleep, a little slumber,k

a little folding of the arms to rest—

34Then poverty will come upon you like a robber,

and want like a brigand.