Proverbs 23:8-19

8 The food which you have taken will come up again, and your pleasing words will be wasted.

9 Say nothing in the hearing of a foolish man, for he will put no value on the wisdom of your words.

10 Do not let the landmark of the widow be moved, and do not go into the fields of those who have no father;

11 For their saviour is strong, and he will take up their cause against you.

12 Give your heart to teaching, and your ears to the words of knowledge.

13 Do not keep back training from the child: for even if you give him blows with the rod, it will not be death to him.

14 Give him blows with the rod, and keep his soul safe from the underworld

15 My son, if your heart becomes wise, I, even I, will be glad in heart;

16 And my thoughts in me will be full of joy when your lips say right things.

17 Have no envy of sinners in your heart, but keep in the fear of the Lord all through the day;

18 For without doubt there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

19 Give ear, my son, and be wise, guiding your heart in the right way

Proverbs 23:8-19 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 11

This chapter relates the false steps Solomon took, notwithstanding all his wisdom, in marrying strange wives, and worshipping other gods, 1Ki 11:1-8 upon which the Lord threatens him to rend the kingdom in his son's time, 1Ki 11:9-13 and he raised up adversaries against him, Hadad, Rezon, and Jeroboam, 1Ki 11:14-26 of which last an account is given, and of his being assured by Ahijah the prophet of his having ten of the tribes of Israel given to him; which Solomon having notice of sought to slay him, 1Ki 11:27-40 and the chapter is concluded with an account of Solomon's death and burial, 1Ki 11:41-43.