Proverbs 23:19-29

19 My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course.

20 Do not carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons,

21 for they are on their way to poverty, and too much sleep clothes them in rags.

22 Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old.

23 Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.

24 The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise.

25 So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy.

26 O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes take delight in following my ways.

27 A prostitute is a dangerous trap; a promiscuous woman is as dangerous as falling into a narrow well.

28 She hides and waits like a robber, eager to make more men unfaithful.

29 Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?

Proverbs 23:19-29 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]. Hebrew to have a wise son.