1Be not thou envious against evil men , neither desire to be with them. 2For their heart studieth destruction , and their lips talk of mischief . 3Through wisdom is an house builded ; and by understanding it is established : 4And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches . 5A wise man is strong ; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength .
The Value of Counsel
6For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war : and in multitude of counsellors there is safety . 7Wisdom is too high for a fool : he openeth not his mouth in the gate . 8He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person .
The Dangers of Laziness
9The thought of foolishness is sin : and the scorner is an abomination to men . 10If thou faint in the day of adversity , thy strength is small . 11If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death , and those that are ready to be slain ; 12If thou sayest , Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it ? and he that keepeth thy soul , doth not he know it ? and shall not he render to every man according to his works ?
Justice and Righteousness
13My son , eat thou honey , because it is good ; and the honeycomb , which is sweet to thy taste : 14So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul : when thou hast found it , then there shall be a reward , and thy expectation shall not be cut off . 15Lay not wait , O wicked man , against the dwelling of the righteous ; spoil not his resting place : 16For a just man falleth seven times , and riseth up again : but the wicked shall fall into mischief .
The Importance of Perseverance
17Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth , and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth : 18Lest the LORD see it , and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. 19Fret not thyself because of evil men , neither be thou envious at the wicked ; 20For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out . 21My son , fear thou the LORD and the king : and meddle not with them that are given to change : 22For their calamity shall rise suddenly ; and who knoweth the ruin of them both ? 23These things also belong to the wise . It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment . 24He that saith unto the wicked , Thou art righteous ; him shall the people curse , nations shall abhor him: 25But to them that rebuke him shall be delight , and a good blessing shall come upon them. 26Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer . 27Prepare thy work without , and make it fit for thyself in the field ; and afterwards build thine house . 28Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause ; and deceive not with thy lips . 29Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work . 30I went by the field of the slothful , and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding ; 31And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns , and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down . 32Then I saw , and considered it well : I looked upon it, and received instruction . 33Yet a little sleep , a little slumber , a little folding of the hands to sleep : 34So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth ; and thy want as an armed man .