Proverbs 24:1-9

1 Don't be envious of evil people, and don't try to make friends with them.
2 Causing trouble is all they ever think about; every time they open their mouth someone is going to be hurt.
3 Homes are built on the foundation of wisdom and understanding.
4 Where there is knowledge, the rooms are furnished with valuable, beautiful things.
5 Being wise is better than being strong; yes, knowledge is more important than strength.
6 After all, you must make careful plans before you fight a battle, and the more good advice you get, the more likely you are to win.
7 Wise sayings are too deep for stupid people to understand. They have nothing to say when important matters are being discussed.
8 If you are always planning evil, you will earn a reputation as a troublemaker.
9 Any scheme a fool thinks up is sinful. People hate a person who has nothing but scorn for others.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Homes . . . understanding; [or] It takes care to lay the foundations of a house, and skill to build it.
  • [b]. [Some ancient translations] Being wise is better than being strong; [Hebrew] A person is wise in strength.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.