Proverbs

²⁰For there shall be no reward for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. ²¹My son, [reverently] fear the Lord and the king, and do not associate with those who are given to change [of allegiance, and are revolutionary], ²²For their calamity shall rise suddenly, and who knows the punishment and ruin which both [the Lord and the king] will bring upon [the rebellious]? ²³These also are sayings of the wise: To discriminate and show partiality, having respect of persons in judging, is not good. ²⁴He who says to the wicked, You are righteous and innocent–peoples will curse him, nations will defy and abhor him. ²⁵But to those [upright judges] who rebuke the wicked, it will go well with them and they will find delight, and a good blessing will be upon them. ²⁶He kisses the lips [and wins the hearts of men] who give a right answer.