Proverbs 23:16-26

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

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

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

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

20 Don't associate with those who drink too much wine, or with those who gorge themselves on meat.

21 For the drunkard and the glutton will become poor, and grogginess will clothe [them] in rags.

22 Listen to your father who gave you life, and don't despise your mother when^[d] she is old.

23 Buy-and do not sell-truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding.^[e]

24 The father of a righteous son will rejoice greatly, and one who fathers a wise son will delight in him.

25 Let your father and mother have joy, and let her who gave birth to you rejoice.^[f]

26 My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.

Proverbs 23:16-26 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]. Pr 10:1; 15:20; 23:24-25
• [b]. Ps 37:1; 73; Pr 24:1,19
• [c]. Pr 10:28; 24:14; Jr 29:11
• [d]. Or because
• [e]. Pr 4:5,7; 16:16
• [f]. Pr 10:1; 15:20; 17:21; 23:15-16