Proverbs 24:20-30

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.

28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.

29 Do not say, "I will do to others as they have done to me; I will pay them back for what they have done."

30 I passed by the field of one who was lazy, by the vineyard of a stupid person;

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.

Footnotes

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