Proverbs 24:17-27

17 Do not rejoice when your enemies fall, and do not let your heart be glad when they stumble,

18 or else the Lord will see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from them.

19 Do not fret because of evildoers. Do not envy the wicked;

20 for the evil have no future; the lamp of the wicked will go out.

21 My child, fear the Lord and the king, and do not disobey either of them;

22 for disaster comes from them suddenly, and who knows the ruin that both can bring?

23 These also are sayings of the wise: Partiality in judging is not good.

24 Whoever says to the wicked, "You are innocent," will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations;

25 but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them.

26 One who gives an honest answer gives a kiss on the lips.

27 Prepare your work outside, get everything ready for you in the field; and after that build your house.

Proverbs 24:17-27 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Gk: Heb [do not associate with those who change]