Proverbs 23:11-21

11 For their Redeemer is strong; he himself will bring their charges against you.

12 Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge.

13 Don’t fail to discipline your children. The rod of punishment won’t kill them.

14 Physical discipline may well save them from death.

15 My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice!

16 Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right.

17 Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the LORD .

18 You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed.

19 My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course.

20 Do not carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons,

21 for they are on their way to poverty, and too much sleep clothes them in rags.

Proverbs 23:11-21 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 11

This chapter relates the false steps Solomon took, notwithstanding all his wisdom, in marrying strange wives, and worshipping other gods, 1Ki 11:1-8 upon which the Lord threatens him to rend the kingdom in his son's time, 1Ki 11:9-13 and he raised up adversaries against him, Hadad, Rezon, and Jeroboam, 1Ki 11:14-26 of which last an account is given, and of his being assured by Ahijah the prophet of his having ten of the tribes of Israel given to him; which Solomon having notice of sought to slay him, 1Ki 11:27-40 and the chapter is concluded with an account of Solomon's death and burial, 1Ki 11:41-43.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or redeemer.
• [b]. Hebrew from Sheol.
• [c]. Hebrew My son; also in 23:19 .