Proverbs 24 Study Notes

24:19-20 To worry is to be agitated with anger (Ps 37:1,7-8). While it is right to be angry because evildoers are sinning, it is wrong to be “agitated” because they are prospering (Ps 37). They do not have a future, but the righteous do (23:17-18). On lamp, see note at 20:20.

24:21-22 The king is God’s agent for social justice (Rm 13:1-4; 1Pt 2:13-14). God and the king are the two who bring so much distress on evildoers that no one knows (cp. Ec 3:21; 6:12; 8:1) its potential magnitude. On suddenly, see note at 6:15.

24:23-34 These are miscellaneous sayings collected by Solomon (10:1) beyond the “thirty” (22:20).

Ra‘a‘ means be difficult, evil, or a mistake (Gn 21:11; 38:10; 48:17). Someone is displeased (Jnh 4:1) or sad and suffers (Ps 106:32). “Your heart is evil” implies you are troubled (1Sm 1:8). “Your eye is evil” means you are stingy (Dt 15:9), look grudgingly, or begrudge. “Be evil in one’s eyes” connotes resenting (1Sm 18:8) or being upset; something seems wrong (Jr 40:4), or one considers something evil. The passive-reflexive means suffer harm (Pr 13:20). Causative verbs denote do evil or harm (Gn 19:7,9) and act wickedly. With “do” it conveys behave wickedly or wrongly. One treats badly, mistreats (Nm 16:15), afflicts, injures, or destroys. Causatives also suggest bring/cause tragedy (harm, trouble, disaster) (Jr 25:29). Participles denote evildoer (Is 1:4) or wicked person. Another ra‘a‘ (8x) signifies crush (Ps 44:3), smash, break, or shatter. Teeth are rotten. The reflexive-passive implies be devastated (Is 24:19) or harmed.

24:23-25 To show partiality is literally “to take notice of a face” (28:21; Dt 16:19)—to treat people differently based on their status or position. A judge should treat “small and great alike” (Dt 1:17). Citizens hate an unjust judge (17:15). That the phrase blessing will come is in the passive voice implies that the blessing comes from God.

24:26 A kiss symbolizes loyal love and solidarity in a family (Gn 33:4; 45:15) or among very close friends (1Sm 20:41). “Honesty” also demonstrates love.

24:27 A young man should first establish his means of income. Besides the structure, to build a house could include marrying, having children, and hiring servants (v. 3; 14:1).

24:28-29 To testify . . . without cause (see note at 3:29-30) might be to volunteer to give testimony without being called and without being an eyewitness. A person should not seek vengeance (20:22).

24:30-34 Whatever a slacker (see note at 6:6) who lacks sense (see note at 6:30-33) builds or inherits comes to ruin. Elsewhere thistles (Is 34:13; Hs 9:6) and weeds (Zph 2:9) are symbolic of God’s judgment. A wise person learns from observation. Verses 33-34 echo Pr 6:10-11; it fits both situations.