Proverbs 24 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

24:1-2

(Compare Proverbs 23:3, Proverbs 23:17; Psalm 37:1).

24:2

studieth — meditateth.

talk mischief — Their expressed purposes are to do evil.

24:3-4

(Compare Proverbs 14:1; Isaiah 54:14).

house — including the family.

24:4 riches — (Proverbs 8:18; Proverbs 21:20).24:5-6

The general statement (Ecclesiastes 9:16, Ecclesiastes 9:18) is specially illustrated (compare Proverbs 21:22; Psalm 144:1).

24:7

(Compare Proverbs 14:16).

in the gate — (Compare Proverbs 22:22).

24:8

So called even if he fails to do evil.

24:9

Same thought varied.

24:10

Literally, “If thou fail in the day of straits (adversity), strait (or, small) is thy strength,” which is then truly tested.

24:11-12

Neglect of known duty is sin (James 4:17).

ready — literally, “bowing down”

to be slain — that is, unjustly. God‘s retributive justice cannot be avoided by professed ignorance.

24:13-14

As delicious food whets the appetite, so should the rewards of wisdom excite us to seek it.

24:14

reward — literally, “after part,” the proper result (compare Proverbs 23:18; Psalm 37:37, Psalm 37:38).

24:15-16

The plots of the wicked against the good, though partially, shall not be fully successful (Psalm 37:24); while the wicked, falling under penal evil, find no help.

24:16

seven times — often, or many (Proverbs 6:16, Proverbs 6:31; Proverbs 9:1).

24:17-18

Yet let none rejoice over the fate of evildoers, lest God punish their wrong spirit by relieving the sufferer (compare Proverbs 17:5; Job 31:29).

24:19-20

(Psalm 37:1, Psalm 37:38; Psalm 18:28).

24:20

candle — or, “prosperity”; it shall come to an end (Proverbs 13:9; Proverbs 20:20).

24:21-22

A warning against impiety and resistance to lawful rule (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:17).

meddle change — (Compare Margin), literally, “mingle not yourself,” avoid the society of restless persons.

24:22

their calamity, etc. — either what God and the king inflict, or what changers and their company suffer; better the first.

24:23 wise — literally, “are of the wise,” as authors (compare “Psalms of David,” Hebrew). “These” refers to the verses following, Proverbs 24:24-34.

to have respect — literally, “to discern faces,” show partiality,

24:24-25

of which an example is justifying the wicked, to which is opposed, rebuking him, which has a blessing.

24:26

kiss his lips — love and obey, do homage (Psalm 2:12; Song of Solomon 8:1).

right answer — literally, “plain words” (compare Proverbs 8:9), opposed to deceptive, or obscure.

24:27

Prepare in the field — Secure, by diligence, a proper support, and then build; provide necessaries, then comforts, to which a house rather pertained, in a mild climate, permitting the use of tents.

24:28

Do not speak even truth needlessly against any, and never falsehood.

24:29

Especially avoid retaliation (Matthew 5:43-45; Romans 12:17).

24:30-31

A striking picture of the effects of sloth.

24:32-34

From the folly of the sluggard learn wisdom (Proverbs 6:10, Proverbs 6:11).