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.

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Do Not Envy Wicked Men

¶ Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.

For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

Wisdom Builds and Establishes

¶ Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.

For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

The Folly of Evil and Sloth

¶ Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.

He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.

The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

¶ If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

Deliver Those Drawn to Death

¶ If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;

If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?

The Sweetness and Reward of Wisdom

¶ My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:

So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

The Resilience of the Righteous

¶ Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:

For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

Do Not Rejoice at an Enemy's Fall

¶ Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

¶ Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked;

For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

Fear God and Honor the King

¶ My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?

Further Sayings of the Wise

¶ These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:

But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.

¶ Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.

¶ Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.

Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

Observation of the Slothful Man’s Field

¶ I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;

And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.

Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

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.

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