Proverbs 24:1-8

1 Don't be envious of evil people, and don't desire to be with them.

2 For their minds are occupied with violence, and their lips speak of making trouble.

3 By wisdom a house is built, by understanding it is made secure,

4 and by knowledge its rooms are filled with all kinds of costly and pleasant possessions.

5 A wise man is strong; yes, a man of knowledge grows in strength.

6 For with clever strategy you wage your war, and victory comes from having many advisers.

7 Wisdom is too lofty for a fool; he keeps his mouth shut at the city gate.

8 He who plans to do evil people call a schemer.

Proverbs 24:1-8 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.