Proverbs 24:23-34

More sayings of the wise

23 These are also the sayings of the wise: Partiality in judgment isn't good.

24 Those who say to the guilty, "You are innocent"— the people will curse them. Nations will condemn them.

25 But it will go well for those who rebuke them. A rich blessing will come to them.

26 Those who speak honestly are like those who kiss on the lips.

27 Get your outside work done; make preparations in the field; then you can build your house.

28 Don't be a witness against your neighbor without reason; don't deceive with your lips.

29 Don't say, "I'll do to them what they did to me. I'll pay them back for their actions."

30 I happened upon the field of a lazy person, by the vineyard of one with no sense.

31 Thorns grew all over it; weeds covered the ground, and the stone wall was falling down.

32 I observed this and took it to heart; I saw it and learned a lesson.

33 "A little sleep, a little slumber,

34 a little lying down with folded arms"— and poverty will come on you like a prowler, deprivation like a man with a shield.

Proverbs 24:23-34 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.