Proverbs 24:23-34

Further Sayings of the Wise

23 These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good.

24 Whoever tells the guilty, “You are innocent”— peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him;

25 but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come upon them.

26 An honest answer given is like a kiss on the lips.

27 Complete your outdoor work and prepare your field; after that, you may build your house.

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

29 Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.”

30 I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment.

31 Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down.

32 I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction:

33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,

34 and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit.

Proverbs 24:23-34 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.