Proverbs24

Proverbs 24 warns against envying evil men, instead promoting wisdom as the foundation for strength, prosperity, and righteous living. It emphasizes the duty to deliver those in peril and to exercise impartial judgment, while cautioning against rejoicing in an enemy's misfortune. The chapter also highlights the severe consequences of slothfulness, urging diligence and preparation.
Listen to this chapter
0:00 0:00

Do Not Envy Wicked Men

1
Do not envy wicked men or desire their company; ​
2
for their hearts devise violence, and their lips declare trouble.

Wisdom Builds and Establishes

3
By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established; ​
4
through knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.
5
A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength.
6
Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors. ​

The Folly of Evil and Sloth

7
Wisdom is too high for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the meeting place. ​
8
He who plots evil will be called a schemer.
9
A foolish scheme is sin, and a mocker is detestable to men. ​
10
If you faint in the day of distress, how small is your strength! ​

Deliver Those Drawn to Death

11
Rescue those being led away to death, and restrain those stumbling toward the slaughter. ​
12
If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds? ​

The Sweetness and Reward of Wisdom

13
Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste. ​
14
Know therefore that wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, there is a future for you, and your hope will never be cut off. ​

The Resilience of the Righteous

15
Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, near the dwelling of the righteous; do not destroy his resting place. ​
16
For though a righteous man may fall seven times, he still gets up; but the wicked stumble in bad times. ​

Do Not Rejoice at an Enemy's Fall

17
Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, ​
18
or the LORD will see and disapprove, and turn His wrath away from him.
19
Do not fret over evildoers, and do not be envious of the wicked.
20
For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be extinguished.

Fear God and Honor the King

21
My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious. ​
22
For they will bring sudden destruction. Who knows what ruin they can bring?

Further Sayings of the Wise

23
These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good. ​
24
Whoever tells the guilty, “You are innocent”— peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him; ​
25
but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come upon them.
26
An honest answer given is like a kiss on the lips.
27
Complete your outdoor work and prepare your field; after that, you may build your house. ​
28
Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.
29
Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.” ​

Observation of the Slothful Man’s Field

30
I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. ​
31
Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down.
32
I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction:
33
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, ​
34
and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit. ​

Study Notes for Proverbs 24

Verse 1

This section opens with a warning against the temptation to envy the temporary prosperity or influence of the wicked, reminding the reader that their intentions are inherently destructive.

Verse 3

Wisdom is presented architecturally, necessary not just for spiritual life but for the practical, successful administration of a household, business, or nation.

Verse 6

Warfare (or any complex undertaking) requires strategic planning and a multitude of perspectives to ensure success and minimize risk, underscoring the value of varied counsel.

Verse 7

The 'gate' was the central location for legal judgment, commerce, and public debate. The fool lacks the credibility or intellectual capacity to speak effectively in public life.

Verse 9

This verse elevates foolish thoughts—evil intentions or plans—to the status of sin, showing that divine judgment applies to the internal disposition (thought) as well as the external action.

Verse 10

Adversity tests character. Fainting suggests spiritual or moral weakness, indicating that promised strength (V. 5) has not been attained or maintained during a trial.

Verse 11

This is a powerful call for active social responsibility, urging intervention on behalf of those unjustly condemned, oppressed, or victims of violence.

Verse 12

This verse is a profound declaration of God's omniscience, countering the excuse of ignorance ('we knew it not'). God judges based on intent ('pondereth the heart') and renders justice according to deeds.

Verse 13

Honey is used as a metaphor for something supremely desirable and nourishing. The pursuit of wisdom should be equally appealing and sustaining to the soul.

Verse 14

The knowledge of wisdom brings a tangible 'reward,' often understood as security, longevity, or eternal success, thereby fulfilling the hope ('expectation') of the righteous.

Verse 15

A direct command against the wicked plotting violence or theft against the homes of the righteous, assuring the wicked that their efforts will fail.

Verse 16

The number 'seven' signifies completeness or frequency. The just man is not exempt from suffering or failure, but his defining characteristic is persistent recovery through faith and righteousness.

Verse 17

This teaches moral restraint and empathy. Gloating over an enemy’s misfortune risks incurring God's displeasure, potentially leading Him to show mercy to the enemy instead.

Verse 21

This links reverence for divine authority (LORD) and respect for civil authority (king). 'Them that are given to change' refers to seditionists or revolutionaries who challenge established governmental order.

Verse 23

This verse serves as a new superscription, introducing a second collection of maxims attributed to the wise, focusing primarily on judicial fairness and economic diligence.

Verse 24

Judicial integrity is paramount. To declare the guilty innocent undermines the foundation of justice and invites public outcry and divine condemnation.

Verse 27

This proverb emphasizes wise prioritization: essential economic tasks and preparation (field work) must precede the construction of permanent assets (house building).

Verse 29

A clear rejection of personal, immediate vengeance (lex talionis), teaching the restraint necessary to maintain social harmony and trust God for ultimate justice.

Verse 30

This introduces a vivid, observational piece common in wisdom literature, detailing the inevitable consequences of laziness through an agricultural metaphor.

Verse 33

This repetition of the sluggard’s excuses is found nearly verbatim elsewhere (Prov 6:10), emphasizing the habitual and stubborn nature of procrastination that prevents productivity.

Verse 34

Poverty is personified as a swift traveler and a powerful, inescapable invader ('armed man'), highlighting the sudden severity of want caused by idleness.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Reading Width 45 chars

Options