23. These also are sayings of the wise.
Partiality in judging is not good.
24. Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,”
will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,
25. but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
and a good blessing will come upon them.
26. Whoever gives an honest answer
kisses the lips.
27. Prepare your work outside;
get everything ready for yourself in the field,
and after that build your house.
28. Be not a witness against your neighbour without cause,
and do not deceive with your lips.
29. Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me;
I will pay the man back for what he has done.”
30. I passed by the field of a sluggard,
by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,
31. and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;
the ground was covered with nettles,
and its stone wall was broken down.
32. Then I saw and considered it;
I looked and received instruction.
33. A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest,
34. and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want like an armed man.
Comment: let me just list them as a list of topics to think about.
- 23-26 True judgement and honest witness.
- 27 Work comes before rest.
- 28-29 Honest and honourable testimony.
- 30-34 Fail to get it right and the results of your attitude and practice will be obvious to any onlooker. Part of the problem in modern society is the hard push towards socialism. It was easy to see the results as you drove past the field of a small farmer. Sadly the availability of government hand outs (and let us be honest enough to see the blessings of these wisely handed out) allow people to hide their laziness and we then have to remember the adage about idle hands finding sinful things to do. The human mind isn’t meant to just live for endless pleasure. Challenges, creativity, service are much more satisfying then ‘nothingness’!
Prayer: Let me live a life of honest usefulness please. To live as unto You.
As I read it! 