1 Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
2 For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.
3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:
4 And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
5 A wise man [is] strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.
6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellers [there is] safety.
7 Wisdom [is] too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.
8 He that deviseth to do evil shall be called a mischievous person.
9 The thought of foolishness [is] sin: and the scorner [is] an abomination to men.
10 [If] thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength [is] small.
11 If thou forbear to deliver [them that are] drawn unto death, and [those that are] ready to be slain;
12 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?
13 My son, eat thou honey, because [it is] good; and the honeycomb, [which is] sweet to thy taste:
14 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.
15 Lay not wait, O wicked [man], against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:
16 For a just [man] falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
17 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
18 Lest the LORD see [it], and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.
19 Fret not thyself because of evil [men], neither be thou envious at the wicked;
20 For there shall be no reward to the evil [man]; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
21 My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: [and] meddle not with them that are given to change:
22 For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?
23 These [things] also [belong] to the wise. [It is] not good to have respect of persons in judgment.
24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou [art] righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:
25 But to them that rebuke [him] shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.
26 [Every man] shall kiss [his] lips that giveth a right answer.
27 Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.
28 Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive [not] with thy lips.
29 Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.
30 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, [and] nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.
32 Then I saw, [and] considered [it] well: I looked upon [it, and] received instruction.
33 [Yet] a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
34 So shall thy poverty come [as] one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.
Overview of Proverbs 24
Proverbs 24 is a chapter in the Book of Proverbs, attributed to King Solomon, which offers wisdom and practical guidance for living a righteous and prudent life. This chapter emphasizes the importance of wisdom, the consequences of folly, and the value of diligence and integrity.
Key Themes
- Wisdom and Understanding: The chapter highlights the significance of seeking wisdom and understanding as foundational to a successful life.
- Integrity and Righteousness: The text stresses the importance of maintaining integrity and righteousness in all dealings.
- Consequences of Actions: It illustrates the outcomes of both wise and foolish behavior, emphasizing that actions have consequences.
- Support and Encouragement: The chapter encourages supporting others, especially in times of trouble.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-2: Avoiding Envy
The chapter opens with a warning against envying evil men or desiring to be with them. This sets the tone for the importance of choosing companions wisely, as the company one keeps can influence one’s character and actions.
Verses 3-4: Building a House with Wisdom
These verses metaphorically describe wisdom as the foundation for building a strong house, representing a stable life. The imagery of knowledge and understanding as precious treasures emphasizes that a well-ordered life is constructed through wisdom.
Verses 5-6: Strength in Wisdom
Here, wisdom is portrayed as a source of strength. The text suggests that wise counsel is crucial in making strategic decisions, especially in times of conflict or uncertainty.
Verses 7-9: The Folly of Foolishness
These verses address the nature of foolishness, describing it as a barrier to understanding. The folly of the fool is likened to a snare, indicating that foolishness leads to entrapment and negative consequences.
Verses 10-12: Resilience in Adversity
In these verses, the text encourages resilience, stating that failing in the day of adversity reveals a lack of strength. It emphasizes the importance of preparedness and the moral responsibility to help others in need, warning against indifference.
Verses 13-14: The Sweetness of Wisdom
These verses compare wisdom to honey, suggesting that it is sweet and beneficial to the soul. The metaphor indicates that wisdom brings satisfaction and fulfillment, reinforcing the idea that pursuing wisdom is worthwhile.
Verses 15-16: The Righteous Fall
This section acknowledges that even the righteous may fall but emphasizes that they will rise again. This serves as a message of hope, indicating that perseverance and integrity will ultimately lead to restoration.
Verses 17-18: Rejoicing in the Downfall of Others
These verses caution against rejoicing when an enemy falls. The text warns that such attitudes can provoke divine disfavor, suggesting that one should maintain a spirit of compassion rather than vindictiveness.
Verses 19-20: The Fate of the Wicked
Here, the text contrasts the fate of the wicked with that of the righteous, asserting that the wicked will not have a lasting future. This serves as a moral reminder that righteousness leads to stability, while wickedness leads to ruin.
Verses 21-22: Fear the Lord
These verses urge the reader to fear the Lord and respect authority. This reverence is presented as a safeguard against calamity, reinforcing the idea that a life lived in accordance with divine principles is protected.
Verses 23-26: The Importance of Fairness
This section discusses the need for fairness and impartiality in judgment. It stresses that honesty and integrity in dealings with others are essential for maintaining a just society.
Verses 27-29: Preparation and Planning
These verses advocate for diligent planning before undertaking tasks. They emphasize the importance of preparation in achieving success, warning against impulsive actions or revenge.
Verses 30-34: Observations of the Sluggard
The chapter concludes with observations about the sluggard, illustrating the consequences of laziness. The imagery of a neglected field serves as a metaphor for the deterioration that results from inaction, highlighting the importance of diligence.
Conclusion
Proverbs 24 encapsulates the essence of wisdom and the moral fabric necessary for a fulfilling life. It serves as a guide for making wise choices, fostering integrity, and understanding the consequences of one’s actions. The chapter encourages readers to cultivate wisdom, support others, and live righteously to ensure stability and success in life.
