Proverbs 23:8-19

8 You will vomit the little you've eaten and waste your pleasant words.

9 Don't speak to^[a] a fool, for he will despise the insight of your words.

10 Don't move an ancient property line, and don't encroach on the fields of the fatherless,^[b]

11 for their Redeemer is strong, and He will take up their case against you.^[c]

12 Apply yourself to instruction and listen to words of knowledge.

13 Don't withhold correction from a youth; if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.

14 Strike him with a rod, and you will rescue his life from Sheol.^[d]

15 My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will indeed rejoice.

16 My innermost being will cheer when your lips say what is right.^[e]

17 Don't be jealous of sinners;^[f] instead, always fear the Lord.

18 For then you will have a future, and your hope will never fade.^[g]

19 Listen, my son, and be wise; keep your mind on the right course.

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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit in the ears of
• [b]. Pr 22:28; Hs 5:10
• [c]. Pr 22:22-23,28; Dt 19:14; 27:17
• [d]. Pr 13:24; 19:18; 22:15
• [e]. Pr 10:1; 15:20; 23:24-25
• [f]. Ps 37:1; 73; Pr 24:1,19
• [g]. Pr 10:28; 24:14; Jr 29:11