Proverbs 24:24-34

24 He 1who says to the wicked, "You are righteous," 2Peoples will curse him, nations will abhor him;
25 But 3to those who rebuke the wicked will be delight, And a good blessing will come upon them.
26 He kisses the lips Who gives a right answer.
27 Prepare your work outside And 4make it ready for yourself in the field; Afterwards, then, build your house.
28 Do not be a 5witness against your neighbor without cause, And 6do not deceive with your lips.
29 7Do not say, "Thus I shall do to him as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work."
30 I passed by the field of the sluggard And by the vineyard of the man 8lacking sense,
31 And behold, it was completely 9overgrown with thistles; Its surface was covered with 10nettles, And its stone 11wall was broken down.
32 When I saw, I reflected * upon it; I looked, and received instruction.
33 "12A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest,"
34 Then your poverty will come as a robber And your want like an armed man.

Proverbs 24:24-34 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 12

This chapter relates Rehoboam's going to Shechem to be made king, and Jeroboam's return from Egypt, 1Ki 12:1,2, the people's request to Rehoboam to be eased of their taxes, as the condition of making him king, 1Ki 12:3,4, his answer to them, after three days, having had the advice both of the old and young men, which latter he followed, and gave in a rough answer, 1Ki 12:5-15, upon which ten tribes revolted from him, and two abode by him, 1Ki 12:16-20, wherefore he meditated a war against the ten tribes, but was forbid by the Lord to engage in it, 1Ki 12:21-24 and Jeroboam, in order to establish his kingdom, and preserve the people from a revolt to the house of David, because of the temple worship at Jerusalem, devised a scheme of idolatrous worship in his own territories, 1Ki 12:25-33.

Cross References 12

  • 1. Proverbs 17:15; Isaiah 5:23
  • 2. Proverbs 11:26
  • 3. Proverbs 28:23
  • 4. Proverbs 27:23-27
  • 5. Proverbs 25:18
  • 6. Leviticus 6:2, 3; Leviticus 19:11; Ephesians 4:25
  • 7. Proverbs 20:22; Matthew 5:39; Romans 12:17
  • 8. Proverbs 6:32
  • 9. Genesis 3:18
  • 10. Job 30:7
  • 11. Isaiah 5:5
  • 12. Proverbs 6:10

Footnotes 7

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