Proverbs 24:17-27

17 Don't be glad when your enemies meet disaster, and don't rejoice when they stumble.

18 The Lord will know if you are gloating, and he will not like it; and then maybe he won't punish them.

19 Don't let evil people worry you; don't be envious of them.

20 A wicked person has no future - nothing to look forward to.

21 Have reverence for the Lord, my child, and honor the king. Have nothing to do with people who rebel against them;

22 such people could be ruined in a moment. Do you realize the disaster that God or the king can cause?

23 The wise have also said these things: It is wrong for judges to be prejudiced.

24 If they pronounce a guilty person innocent, they will be cursed and hated by everyone.

25 Judges who punish the guilty, however, will be prosperous and enjoy a good reputation.

26 An honest answer is a sign of true friendship.

27 Don't build your house and establish a home until your fields are ready, and you are sure that you can earn a living.

Proverbs 24:17-27 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.