Proverbs 24:1-11

1 Don't you be envious against evil men; Neither desire to be with them:

2 For their hearts plot violence, And their lips talk about mischief.

3 Through wisdom a house is built; By understanding it is established;

4 By knowledge the rooms are filled With all rare and beautiful treasure.

5 A wise man has great power; And a knowledgeable man increases strength;

6 For by wise guidance you wage your war; And victory is in many advisors.

7 Wisdom is too high for a fool: He doesn't open his mouth in the gate.

8 One who plots to do evil Will be called a schemer.

9 The schemes of folly are sin. The mocker is detested by men.

10 If you falter in the time of trouble, Your strength is small.

11 Rescue those who are being led away to death! Indeed, hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter!

Proverbs 24:1-11 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.