Proverbs 24:23-34

23 These also are sayings of the wise. To show partiality in judgment is not good.

24 He who says to the wicked, "You are righteous;" Peoples shall curse him, and nations shall abhor him --

25 But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, And a rich blessing will come on them.

26 An honest answer Is like a kiss on the lips.

27 Prepare your work outside. Make it ready for you in the field. Afterwards, build your house.

28 Don't be a witness against your neighbor without cause. Don't deceive with your lips.

29 Don't say, "I will do to him as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work."

30 I went by the field of the sluggard, By the vineyard of the man void of understanding;

31 Behold, it was all grown over with thorns. Its surface was covered with nettles, And its stone wall was broken down.

32 Then I saw, and considered well. I saw, and received instruction:

33 A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep;

34 So shall your poverty come as a robber, And your want as an armed man.

Proverbs 24:23-34 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.