Proverbs 24:14-24

14 In the same way, wisdom is pleasing to you. If you find it, you have hope for the future, and your wishes will come true.

15 Don't be wicked and attack a good family's house; don't rob the place where they live.

16 Even though good people may be bothered by trouble seven times, they are never defeated, but the wicked are overwhelmed by trouble.

17 Don't be happy when your enemy is defeated; don't be glad when he is overwhelmed.

18 The Lord will notice and be displeased. He may not be angry with them anymore.

19 Don't envy evil people, and don't be jealous of the wicked.

20 An evil person has nothing to hope for; the wicked will die like a flame that is put out.

21 My child, respect the Lord and the king. Don't join those people who refuse to obey them.

22 The Lord and the king will quickly destroy such people. Those two can cause great disaster!

23 These are also sayings of the wise: It is not good to take sides when you are the judge.

24 Don't tell the wicked that they are innocent; people will curse you, and nations will hate you.

Proverbs 24:14-24 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.