Proverbs 24:2-12

2 Causing trouble is all they ever think about; every time they open their mouth someone is going to be hurt.

3 Homes are built on the foundation of wisdom and understanding.

4 Where there is knowledge, the rooms are furnished with valuable, beautiful things.

5 Being wise is better than being strong; yes, knowledge is more important than strength.

6 After all, you must make careful plans before you fight a battle, and the more good advice you get, the more likely you are to win.

7 Wise sayings are too deep for stupid people to understand. They have nothing to say when important matters are being discussed.

8 If you are always planning evil, you will earn a reputation as a troublemaker.

9 Any scheme a fool thinks up is sinful. People hate a person who has nothing but scorn for others.

10 If you are weak in a crisis, you are weak indeed.

11 Don't hesitate to rescue someone who is about to be executed unjustly.

12 You may say that it is none of your business, but God knows and judges your motives. He keeps watch on you; he knows. And he will reward you according to what you do.

Proverbs 24:2-12 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]. Homes . . . understanding; [or] It takes care to lay the foundations of a house, and skill to build it.
• [b]. [Some ancient translations] Being wise is better than being strong; [Hebrew] A person is wise in strength.