New Living Translation (NLT)
Proverbs 24
19 Don’t fret because of evildoers; don’t envy the wicked.
20 For evil people have no future; the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.
21 My child, fear the LORD and the king. Don’t associate with rebels,
22 for disaster will hit them suddenly. Who knows what punishment will come from the LORD and the king?
23 Here are some further sayings of the wise: It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment.
24 A judge who says to the wicked, “You are innocent,” will be cursed by many people and denounced by the nations.
25 But it will go well for those who convict the guilty; rich blessings will be showered on them.
26 An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship.
27 Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house.
28 Don’t testify against your neighbors without cause; don’t lie about them.
29 And don’t say, “Now I can pay them back for what they’ve done to me! I’ll get even with them!”