Proverbs 24
Do Not Envy Evil PeopleThis section warns us not to envy those who do wrong, even if they seem happy or successful. It is a mistake to wish we could live like them or enjoy the same pleasures. Their way of life may look attractive, but it leads to trouble. Instead of wanting to join them, we should remember that their actions bring harm to themselves and others.v. 1: The Bible says, “Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them” . Even if sinners seem to have fun and live without rules, we should not wish to be like them or join in their ways. Their happiness is only for a short time, and their actions are not pleasing to God. We should never think, “I wish I could do whatever I want, like they do.” v. 2: “For their heart devises violence, and their lips talk of troublemaking” . The reason we should not envy or join with evil people is because their thoughts and words are full of harm. They plan to hurt others and speak in ways that cause trouble. In the end, their actions will bring destruction to themselves. It is wiser to stay away from them and not follow their example. Wisdom Builds a Strong and Lasting HouseThis section teaches that we should not envy people who become rich by dishonest means. Instead, we are encouraged to use wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to build our lives and families. Honest work, guided by God’s wisdom, brings lasting success and a good reputation. True prosperity comes from combining faith in God with careful and wise actions.v. 3: The Bible says, “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established” . You do not need to use unfair or sinful ways to succeed. With wisdom and good judgment, you can build a strong family and a good life. What is gained honestly will last much longer than what is gained by cheating (Habakkuk 2:9-10 a). v. 4: “By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches” . When you manage your life with wisdom and fairness, your home will be filled with good things. These riches are valuable because they are earned honestly and enjoyed with a happy heart. This can also mean spiritual riches—when you grow in knowledge, your soul is filled with God’s blessings. v. 5: “A wise man is strong, yes, a man of knowledge increases strength” . Wisdom gives you real strength, more than physical power. As you grow in knowledge, you become stronger in character and better able to face life’s challenges (2 Peter 3:18; Colossians 1:9,11 b). v. 6: “For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety” . Wisdom helps you make good decisions, even in difficult situations. It is important to seek advice from others, because many counselors bring safety and success. This is true for both personal struggles and bigger problems in life. v. 7: “Wisdom is too lofty for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the gate” . Some people do not value wisdom and do not try to learn. Because of this, they are not respected or trusted with important responsibilities. If you want to be useful and respected, work hard to gain wisdom. v. 8: “He who plots to do evil will be called a schemer” . People who secretly plan to harm others will be known as troublemakers. Even if they act polite, their evil plans will be discovered, and they will have a bad reputation (Romans 1:30 c). v. 9: “The devising of foolishness is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to men” . Even thinking about doing wrong is a sin in God’s eyes (Jeremiah 4:14; Genesis 6:5 d). People who mock others and make fun of what is good are disliked by everyone. It is wise to avoid such attitudes and people (Psalm 1:1 e). Standing Strong in Adversity and Defending the InnocentThis section encourages us not to give up when we face hard times. It also teaches us to help people who are in danger or treated unfairly. We should not make excuses for ignoring those in need, because God knows our true thoughts and will judge us fairly.v. 10: The Bible says, “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small” . When trouble comes, it is easy to become discouraged and stop trying. But if we give up too quickly, it shows that we do not have strong faith or courage. Even people who are usually cheerful can become weak when things go wrong. We need to be brave and trust God to strengthen our hearts (Job 4:5 f). Our Duty to Rescue Those in Danger This section teaches the importance of helping people who are in serious trouble or danger, especially when they are innocent. It warns against ignoring the needs of others or making excuses to avoid helping. God knows our true motives and will judge us based on our actions and our failure to act when we should. v. 11: If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain. We have a duty to help those whose lives are in danger, whether they are being treated unfairly, facing violence, or just in distress. If we can do something to save them—by telling the truth, defending them, or even risking something ourselves—we should not hesitate or be lazy about it. Even if we do not know the person, we should care because it is right to protect innocent people. v. 12: “If you say, ‘Surely we did not know this,’ does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?” . We might try to excuse ourselves by saying, "I did not know," or "I was not sure what to do." This might work with other people, because they cannot see our hearts. But God knows the truth. He sees our real reasons, whether we truly did not know or whether we just did not care enough to help. God knows our thoughts and watches over our lives (Jeremiah 17:10 g). He will judge us fairly, rewarding or punishing us according to what we have really done—including the good things we chose not to do. God expects us to care about others, just as He has cared for us. The Sweetness and Reward of WisdomThis section encourages us to seek wisdom because it brings both pleasure and reward. Learning wisdom is compared to eating honey—it is enjoyable and good for us. Wisdom not only makes life better now, but it also promises a future reward. When we follow God’s ways, our hopes will be fulfilled, and we will not be disappointed.v. 13: The Bible says, “My son, eat honey because it is good, and the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste” . Just as honey tastes sweet and is pleasant to eat, wisdom is sweet to the soul. Once you have experienced the goodness of wisdom, nothing can convince you otherwise. Wisdom is like spiritual food that brings real joy, just as honey was a special treat in the land of Canaan (Luke 24:41-42; Isaiah 7:15 h). v. 14: “So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; if you have found it, there is a prospect, and your hope will not be cut off” . Wisdom is not just sweet—it is also profitable. When you learn and live by wisdom, you will receive a true reward. Your hope in following God’s wisdom will be fulfilled, and your future will be secure (Proverbs 23:18 i). The Futility of Attacking the Righteous This section is written more as a message of encouragement to good people than as advice to the wicked. It shows that evil people often plot against the righteous and believe they will succeed. But in the end, their plans will fail. The righteous may face many troubles, but God helps them recover. Meanwhile, the wicked will eventually be destroyed by their own evil actions. v. 15: Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place. Evil people may plan to harm the homes and lives of the righteous, waiting for a chance to attack them. They hope to take advantage of the righteous when they seem weak or in trouble, believing they can destroy them easily. This hostility comes from the ongoing conflict between good and evil—the “seed of the serpent” hating the “seed of the woman” (Genesis 3:15 j). But these plans are ultimately foolish. The Bible warns the wicked, “Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; do not plunder his resting place” (Proverbs 24:15 k). Evil people may try to harm or trap those who do right, but their plans will not succeed in the end. God protects the righteous, even when others plot against them (Psalm 59:title l).“For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity” (Proverbs 24:16 m). People who trust God may have many troubles, but they will recover and stand again because God helps them. Even if the righteous fall into sin or suffering, they can repent and find mercy. However, the wicked will fall into disaster and will not be able to get up again. Their own sins will destroy them, while God lifts up those who follow Him. v. 16: For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Even if a good person suffers many setbacks or even sins by mistake, God gives them strength to rise again. Their troubles are not permanent; they learn, repent, and are restored. In contrast, when the wicked fall, they are ruined by their own actions and cannot recover. Their evil plans end in disaster for themselves. This verse teaches that God protects and restores the righteous, while the wicked cannot escape the consequences of their wrongdoing. Do Not Rejoice When Your Enemy FallsThis section teaches us not to take pleasure in the troubles or failures of those who oppose us or have done us wrong. It is easy for our hearts to feel glad when someone we dislike faces problems, but God does not want us to have this attitude. We should show kindness and even feel sad for our enemies when they suffer, instead of celebrating their misfortune.v. 17: The Bible says, “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles” (Proverbs 24:17 n). When someone who has hurt us or stands in our way has trouble, we must not secretly feel happy about it. Instead, we should have compassion, just as David felt sad for his enemies when they suffered (Psalm 35:13-14 o). Even if it is only in our hearts, rejoicing at another’s pain will displease the Lord. God sees everything, even our secret thoughts, and He is not pleased when we enjoy another person’s downfall. Sometimes, if we do rejoice, God may even stop punishing our enemy and turn His attention to our own wrong attitude (Ezekiel 26:2; Psalm 58:10 p). – Do Not Envy the Wicked—Their Prosperity Will Not LastThis section reminds us not to be jealous or upset when people who do wrong seem to succeed. Their good fortune is temporary and cannot bring true happiness. God wants us to trust His wisdom and timing, knowing that real reward comes only to those who follow Him. We are also warned not to join people who always want to change things just for the sake of change, whether in religion or government, since this brings trouble in the end.v. 19: The Bible says, “Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the wicked” . We should not let ourselves become upset or jealous when we see people doing wrong and still prospering. This is just like what David wrote: “Do not fret because of evildoers” (Psalm 37:1 q). We must accept God’s plan, even when it is hard to understand. v. 20: “For there will be no prospect for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked will be put out” . Wicked people may seem to have everything now, but they have no lasting hope or happiness. Their good times will come to an end. Their “lamp” will go out, and all their comforts will be gone (Job 21:14; Psalm 17:14 r; Psalm 37:2 s).Respect for God and Authority This section teaches that true religion and loyalty to government go together. We should honor and respect both God and the leaders he has put over us. People who always want to make changes just for the sake of change are dangerous, whether in religion or politics. Such restlessness often leads to trouble, not only for themselves but also for others who join them. Sudden disaster may come upon those who rebel against God or the king. v. 21: My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change. We must always respect and worship God as our Creator. At the same time, we must be faithful to the government God has given us (Romans 13:1-2 t). Those who truly serve God will usually be good citizens. If we are not loyal to God, we cannot be truly loyal to anyone else. But if there is a conflict between God's law and man's law, we must obey God rather than people. v. 22: For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?. People who are always stirring up trouble or want to change things for no good reason will face sudden disaster. Their secret plans will be discovered, and punishment will come when they least expect it. No one knows when or how God and the king will bring judgment on those who rebel, but it is certain that their actions will lead to ruin.The Bible teaches, “My son, fear the Lord and the king; do not associate with those given to change” (Proverbs 24:21 u). We should respect both God and the leaders He has placed over us (Romans 13:1-2 v). True religion and loyalty go together. We should not join people who want to cause trouble or make changes just to be rebellious. “For their calamity will rise suddenly, and who knows the ruin those two can bring?” (Proverbs 24:22 w). People who are always stirring up trouble and rebelling will suddenly face disaster. Both God and the king will judge them, often when they least expect it. It is wise to stay away from such people, because their punishment will come quickly and surely. Lessons for Judges and RulersThis section gives important advice to those who are leaders, judges, or anyone in authority. They must always be fair and just when making decisions. Justice should not be influenced by personal feelings or by who the people involved are. Good leaders must stand against wickedness and support what is right, even if it means going against powerful or popular people. True justice brings respect and blessing from both God and people.v. 23: The Bible says, “It is not good to show partiality in judgment” . Judges and rulers must never let their decisions be affected by favoritism. They must look at the facts of the case and not show special treatment to friends or powerful people. If justice is twisted because of favoritism, it harms everyone. v. 24: “He who says to the wicked, ‘You are righteous,’ him the people will curse; nations will abhor him” . Leaders must not support or excuse wicked people. If a judge or ruler calls a bad person good, people will lose respect for them, and even other nations will see it as a betrayal of trust. v. 25: “But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them” . Those who stand up to evil and correct wrongdoers—even if it is hard—will be honored. God will bless them, and people will respect them for their honesty and courage (Proverbs 28:23 x). v. 26: “He who gives a right answer kisses the lips” . When leaders give honest and fair decisions, people love and respect them. Speaking the truth in a sincere way brings trust and friendship, just like a kiss shows love and loyalty. Wise Planning Before BuildingThis section teaches us to be wise and careful in how we manage our lives and resources. It reminds us to focus on what is truly important and to prepare well before starting something big. Good planning can prevent many problems and disappointments.v. 27: This verse advises us to take care of the most important things first. For example, we should make sure we have enough food and income before spending money on things for show, like building a fancy house. The verse says, “Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house” . This means we should not spend on things we do not need before we can afford them. Some people ruin themselves by starting to build when they do not have enough to finish. This advice also warns young people not to get married until they are ready to support a family. Before starting any big project, it is smart to make all the necessary preparations, so the work does not stop because we are missing something. Solomon followed this advice when building the house of God. Everything was prepared ahead of time, before it was brought to the ground (1 Kings 6:7 y). Being Fair and DiligentThis section teaches us two main lessons: do not harm others, especially through lies or revenge, and learn from what you see, even from the mistakes of others. We should be careful with our words and actions, especially when dealing with people in formal situations like court. We also learn a lesson from the lazy person’s neglected field, which shows the results of being careless and lazy.v. 28: This verse warns us not to hurt our neighbor, especially in legal matters. Do not be a witness against someone without a good reason. Only speak what you know is true, and only if you must. Do not trick people with your words or make others think badly of someone without cause. The verse says, “Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips” . This means we should never lie or exaggerate, even if we are angry or want revenge. v. 29: Do not repay someone just because they have done wrong to you. The verse says, “Do not say, ‘I will do to him as he has done to me; I will pay the man back for what he has done’” . Wanting to get even or hurt someone in return is not right. Even if your cause is fair, when you act from a spirit of revenge, your actions become wrong. God is the one who judges and brings justice, as He says, “Vengeance is mine” (Deuteronomy 32:35 z). We must leave it to Him and not take matters into our own hands. v. 30–34: Solomon tells us what he learned when he passed by the field and vineyard of a lazy man. He saw the ground was good, but nothing grew except thorns and nettles, and the stone wall was broken down. This happened because the owner was lazy and did not take care of his land. The Bible says, “Thorns and thistles shall it bring forth unto thee” (Genesis 3:18 aa), unless we work hard to keep the land healthy. Solomon did not judge the man harshly, but he learned a lesson from what he saw. Those who teach others must also learn from what they see, both good and bad. Wise people learn from the mistakes of others. The lazy person keeps saying, “A little sleep, a little slumber” (Proverbs 24:33 ab), but this only leads to ruin. Poverty will come suddenly, like a thief or an armed man. This lesson is not just about work or money. Our souls are like fields or vineyards that need care. If we are lazy with our spiritual lives, weeds like bad desires and habits will grow, and we will be in great danger. In the end, neglect leads to ruin, both in this life and the next.The Lesson from the Field of the Slothful This section shows how much we can learn from simply observing the world around us. Solomon passes by a neglected field and vineyard and uses what he sees as a lesson about laziness and its consequences. He reminds us that not only our work and property, but also our hearts and souls, need careful attention. Neglect always leads to ruin. v. 30: I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding. Solomon did not plan to inspect this field; he just noticed it as he traveled. It stood out because, although the land was good, it was not cared for. The owner was lazy and lacked sense, and everyone who passed by could see the effects of his laziness. This teaches us that our actions, or lack of actions, are visible to others, and we should be careful to manage what we are given. v. 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. The field was full of thorns and weeds, and the protective wall was broken. This is what happens when we neglect our responsibilities. Even the best land will become useless if it is not cared for. The thorns and nettles remind us of the curse on the ground because of sin (Genesis 3:18 ac). Without work and attention, everything God gives us can be wasted. v. 32: Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Solomon did not just criticize the owner. Instead, he thought about what he saw and learned an important lesson. Wise people do not only learn from good examples, but also from the mistakes of others. We should take time to reflect on what we see and let it teach us to be more diligent. v. 33: Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep. The lazy person always wants just a little more rest. He keeps putting off work, thinking it will not matter. But these small delays add up, and soon the work is never done. This attitude leads to bigger problems before anyone realizes it. v. 34: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man(Proverbs 24:34 ad). Just as a traveler keeps moving closer until he suddenly arrives, poverty sneaks up on the lazy person. In the end, need and trouble come quickly, like a robber who cannot be stopped. This warning is not just about money and property, but also about our spiritual lives. If we neglect our hearts and souls, they too will be overrun with weeds and left unprotected, leading to spiritual ruin.
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