Proverbs 24:23-34

23 These things also belong to the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment.

24 He who says to the wicked, "You are righteous," Him the people will curse; Nations will abhor him.

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

26 He who gives a right answer kisses the lips.

27 Prepare your outside work, Make it fit for yourself in the field; And afterward build your house.

28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, For would you deceive with your lips?

29 Do not say, "I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work."

30 I went by the field of the lazy man, And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding;

31 And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; Its surface was covered with nettles; Its stone wall was broken down.

32 When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction:

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

34 So shall your poverty come like a prowler, And your need 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.

Footnotes

• [a] Septuagint and Vulgate read Do not deceive.