Chapter
24
Don't be envious of evil women; neither desire to be with them:
for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about mischief.
Through wisdom a house is built; by understanding it is established;
by knowledge the rooms are filled with all rare and beautiful treasure.
A wise woman has great power; and a knowledgeable woman increases strength;
for by wise guidance you wage your war; and victory is in many advisors.
Wisdom is too high for a fool: she doesn't open her mouth in the gate.
One who plots to do evil will be called a schemer.
The schemes of folly are sin. The mocker is detested by women.
If you falter in the time of trouble, your strength is small.
Rescue those who are being led away to death! Indeed, hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter!
If you say, "Behold, we didn't know this;" doesn't she who weighs the hearts consider it? She who keeps your soul, doesn't she know it? Shall she not render to every woman according to her work?
My daughter, eat honey, for it is good; the droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to your taste:
so you shall know wisdom to be to your soul; if you have found it, then there will be a reward, your hope will not be cut off.
Don't lay in wait, wicked woman, against the habitation of the righteous. Don't destroy her resting place:
for a righteous woman falls seven times, and rises up again; but the wicked are overthrown by calamity.
Don't rejoice when your enemy falls. Don't let your heart be glad when she is overthrown;
lest Yahweh see it, and it displease her, and she turn away her wrath from her.
Don't fret yourself because of evildoers; neither be envious of the wicked:
for there will be no reward to the evil woman; and the lamp of the wicked shall be snuffed out.
My daughter, fear Yahweh and the queen. Don't join those who are rebellious:
for their calamity will rise suddenly; the destruction from them both--who knows?
These also are sayings of the wise. To show partiality in judgment is not good.
She who says to the wicked, "You are righteous;" peoples shall curse her, and nations shall abhor her--
but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and a rich blessing will come on them.
An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.
Prepare your work outside, and get your fields ready. Afterwards, build your house.
Don't be a witness against your neighbor without cause. Don't deceive with your lips.
Don't say, "I will do to her as she has done to me; I will render to the woman according to her work."
I went by the field of the sluggard, by the vineyard of the woman void of understanding;
Behold, it was all grown over with thorns. Its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down.
Then I saw, and considered well. I saw, and received instruction:
a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep;
so shall your poverty come as a robber, and your want as an armed woman.