Proverbs 24:2-12

2 for their minds devise violence, and their lips talk of mischief.

3 By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established;

4 by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

5 Wise warriors are mightier than strong ones, and those who have knowledge than those who have strength;

6 for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.

7 Wisdom is too high for fools; in the gate they do not open their mouths.

8 Whoever plans to do evil will be called a mischief-maker.

9 The devising of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to all.

10 If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength being small;

11 if you hold back from rescuing those taken away to death, those who go staggering to the slaughter;

12 if you say, "Look, we did not know this"— does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it? And will he not repay all according to their deeds?

Proverbs 24:2-12 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.

Footnotes

• [a] Gk Compare Syr Tg: Heb [A wise man is strength]