Proverbs 24:1-8

1 Be not thou envious against evil men; Neither desire to be with them:

2 For their heart studieth oppression, And their lips talk of mischief.

3 Through wisdom is a house builded; And by understanding it is established;

4 And by knowledge are the chambers filled With all precious and pleasant riches.

5 A wise man is strong; Yea, a man of knowledge increaseth might.

6 For by wise guidance thou shalt make thy war; And in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

7 Wisdom is too high for a fool: He openeth not his mouth in the gate.

8 He that deviseth to do evil, Men shall call him a mischief-maker.

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.