Proverbs 24

1Don’t envy evil people

or desire their company.

2For their hearts plot violence,

and their words always stir up trouble.

3A house is built by wisdom

and becomes strong through good sense.

4Through knowledge its rooms are filled

with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.

5The wise are mightier than the strong,*

and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.

6So don’t go to war without wise guidance;

victory depends on having many advisers.

7Wisdom is too lofty for fools.

Among leaders at the city gate, they have nothing to say.

8A person who plans evil

will get a reputation as a troublemaker.

9The schemes of a fool are sinful;

everyone detests a mocker.