23 These are more sayings of the wise:

It’s not good to show partiality when deciding a case.

24 ≈ Anyone who says to the guilty that they’re innocent,

→ will be cursed by the peoples and hated by the nations.

25 However, those who convict the guilty will be admired,

→ and they’ll be blessed by good things happening.

26 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

27 Establish your work for outsiders and prepare your food gardens

then after that, build your house.

28 Don’t be a witness against your neighbour without good reason,

or deceive others with what you say.

29 Don’t say, “I’ll do to him what he did to me,

≈ I’ll pay him back for what he’s done.”

30 I passed by the field of a lazy person

≈ and by the vineyard of a person with no initiative.

31 Wow, thorns had grown up over all of it,

≈ and it was completely covered with weeds,

and its stone walls were broken down.

32 I looked and made a decision.

≈ I saw it and learnt from it:

33 A little sleep, a quick nap,

≈ a little folding your arms to rest,

34 and poverty will sneak up on you like a robber,

and need will approach like an armed bandit.