23 These are more sayings of the wise: To have respect for a person's position when judging is not good. 24 He who says to the evil-doer, You are upright, will be cursed by peoples and hated by nations. 25 But those who say sharp words to him will have delight, and a blessing of good will come on them. 26 He gives a kiss with his lips who gives a right answer. 27 Put your work in order outside, and make it ready in the field; and after that, see to the building of your house. 28 Do not be a violent witness against your neighbour, or let your lips say what is false. 29 Say not, I will do to him as he has done to me; I will give the man the reward of his work. 30 I went by the field of the hater of work, and by the vine-garden of the man without sense; 31 And it was all full of thorns, and covered with waste plants, and its stone wall was broken down. 32 Then looking at it, I gave thought: I saw, and I got teaching from it. 33 A little sleep, a little rest, a little folding of the hands in sleep: 34 So loss will come on you like an outlaw, and your need like an armed man. — Proverbs 24:23-34 | Bible in Basic English (BBE) The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain. Cross References: Genesis 3:18; Leviticus 6:2-3; Deuteronomy 1:17; Deuteronomy 16:19; Job 30:7; Proverbs 6:10-11; Proverbs 6:32; Proverbs 11:26; Proverbs 17:15; Proverbs 19:15; Proverbs 25:1; Proverbs 27:23; Proverbs 28:23; Ecclesiastes 10:18; Matthew 5:39; Ephesians 4:25













