Proverbs 24:23-33

23 These also are for the wise: -- To discern faces in judgment is not good.

24 Whoso is saying to the wicked, `Thou [art] righteous,' Peoples execrate him -- nations abhor him.

25 And to those reproving it is pleasant, And on them cometh a good blessing.

26 Lips he kisseth who is returning straightforward words.

27 Prepare in an out-place thy work, And make it ready in the field -- go afterwards, Then thou hast built thy house.

28 Be not a witness for nought against thy neighbour, Or thou hast enticed with thy lips.

29 Say not, `As he did to me, so I do to him, I render to each according to his work.'

30 Near the field of a slothful man I passed by, And near the vineyard of a man lacking heart.

31 And lo, it hath gone up -- all of it -- thorns! Covered its face have nettles, And its stone wall hath been broken down.

32 And I see -- I -- I do set my heart, I have seen -- I have received instruction,

33 A little sleep -- a little slumber -- A little folding of the hands to lie down.

Proverbs 24:23-33 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.