18. The Lord will see it, he won’t like it,and he will turn his anger away from that person.
19. Do not get overly upset with evildoers.Do not envy wicked people,
20. because an evil person has no future,and the lamps of wicked people will be snuffed out.
21. Fear the Lord, my son.Fear the king as well.Do not associate with those who always insist upon change,
22. because disaster will come to them suddenly.Who knows what misery both may bring?
23. These also are the sayings of wise people:Showing partiality as a judge is not good.
24. Whoever says to a guilty person, “You are innocent,”will be cursed by people and condemned by nations.
25. But people will be pleased with those who convict a guilty person,and a great blessing will come to them.
26. Giving a straight answer is ⌊like⌋ a kiss on the lips.
27. Prepare your work outside,and get things ready for yourself in the field.Afterwards, build your house.
28. Do not testify against your neighbor without a reason,and do not deceive with your lips.
29. Do not say,“I’ll treat him as he treated me.I’ll pay him back for what he has done to me.”
30. I passed by a lazy person’s field,the vineyard belonging to a person without sense.
31. I saw that it was all overgrown with thistles.The ground was covered with weeds,and its stone fence was torn down.
32. When I observed ⌊this⌋, I took it to heart.I saw it and learned my lesson.
33. “Just a little sleep,just a little slumber,just a little nap.”
34. Then your poverty will come like a drifter,and your need will come like a bandit.