Proverbs 24:20-30

20 because an evil person has no future, and the lamps of wicked people will be snuffed out.

21 Fear the LORD, my son. Fear the king as well. Do not associate with those who always insist upon change,

22 because disaster will come to them suddenly. Who knows what misery both may bring?

23 These also are the sayings of wise people: Showing partiality as a judge is not good.

24 Whoever says to a guilty person, "You are innocent," will be cursed by people and condemned by nations.

25 But people will be pleased with those who convict a guilty person, and a great blessing will come to them.

26 Giving a straight answer is [like] a kiss on the lips.

27 Prepare your work outside, and get things ready for yourself in the field. Afterwards, build your house.

28 Do not testify against your neighbor without a reason, and do not deceive with your lips.

29 Do not say, "I'll treat him as he treated me. I'll pay him back for what he has done to me."

30 I passed by a lazy person's field, the vineyard belonging to a person without sense.

Proverbs 24:20-30 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.