Proverbs 24:23-34

23 These [sayings] also belong to the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment.^[a]

24 Whoever says to the guilty, "You are innocent"- people will curse him, and tribes will denounce him;^[b]

25 but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and a generous blessing will come to them.

26 He who gives an honest answer gives a kiss on the lips.

27 Complete your outdoor work, and prepare your field; afterwards, build your house.

28 Don't testify against your neighbor without cause. Don't deceive with your lips.

29 Don't say, "I'll do to him what he did to me; I'll repay the man for what he has done."^[c]

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

31 Thistles had come up everywhere, weeds covered the ground, and the stone wall was ruined.

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

33 a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms to rest,

34 and your poverty will come like a robber, your need, like a bandit.^[d]

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.

Footnotes

• [a] Pr 28:21; Dt 1:17; 16:19
• [b] Pr 17:15; 18:5
• [c] Pr 24:12; Rm 12:19
• [d] Pr 6:10-11; 20:4,13