Proverbs 23:17-27

17 Do not envy sinners in your heart. Instead, continue to fear the LORD.

18 There is indeed a future, and your hope will never be cut off.

19 My son, listen, be wise, and keep your mind going in the right direction.

20 Do not associate with those who drink too much wine, with those who eat too much meat,

21 because both a drunk and a glutton will become poor. Drowsiness will dress a person in rags.

22 Listen to your father since you are his son, and do not despise your mother because she is old.

23 Buy truth (and do not sell it), [that is,] buy wisdom, discipline, and understanding.

24 A righteous person's father will certainly rejoice. Someone who has a wise son will enjoy him.

25 May your father and your mother be glad. May she who gave birth to you rejoice.

26 My son, give me your heart. Let your eyes find happiness in my ways.

27 A prostitute is a deep pit. A loose woman is a narrow well.

Proverbs 23:17-27 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.