Proverbs 24:23-34

More Sayings of the Wise

23 These also are sayings of ¹the wise. ²Partiality in judging is not good.

24 Whoever ³says to the wicked, “You are in the right, ” ⁴will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,

25 but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them.

26 Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.

27 ⁵Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house.

28 ⁶Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.

29 Do not say, ⁷“I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done. ”

30 ⁸I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man ⁹lacking sense,

31 and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone ¹⁰wall was broken down.

32 Then I saw and ¹¹considered it; I looked and received instruction.

33 ¹²A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,

34 and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

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.

Cross References

• 1. 24:23 ch. 1:6; 22:17
• 2. 24:23 See ch. 18:5
• 3. 24:24 See ch. 17:15
• 4. 24:24 ch. 11:26
• 5. 24:27 [Luke 14:28]
• 6. 24:28 [ch. 25:18]
• 7. 24:29 See ch. 20:22
• 8. 24:30 [Job 5:3]
• 9. 24:30 See ch. 6:32
• 10. 24:31 Isa. 5:5
• 11. 24:32 [ch. 22:17]
• 12. 24:33 For ver. 33, 34, see ch. 6:10, 11