23 These also are [sayings] of the wise. To have respect of persons in judgment is not good. 24 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; Peoples shall curse him, nations shall abhor him: 25 But to them that rebuke [him] shall be delight, And a good blessing shall come upon them. 26 He kisseth the lips Who giveth a right answer.
27 Prepare thy work without, And make it ready for thee in the field; And afterwards build thy house.
28 Be not a witness against thy neighbor 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 sluggard, And by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; 31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, The face thereof was covered with nettles, And the stone wall thereof was broken down. 32 Then I beheld, and considered well; I saw, 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 a robber, And thy want as an armed man.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 24:23-34
Commentary on Proverbs 24:23-26
(Read Proverbs 24:23-26)
The wisdom God giveth, renders a man fit for his station. Every one who finds the benefit of the right answer, will be attached to him that gave it.
Commentary on Proverbs 24:27
(Read Proverbs 24:27)
We must prefer necessaries before conveniences, and not go in debt.
Commentary on Proverbs 24:28-29
(Read Proverbs 24:28-29)
There are three defaults in a witness pointed out.
Commentary on Proverbs 24:30-34
(Read Proverbs 24:30-34)
See what a blessing the husbandman's calling is, and what a wilderness this earth would be without it. See what great difference there is in the management even of worldly affairs. Sloth and self-indulgence are the bane of all good. When we see fields overgrown with thorns and thistles, and the fences broken down, we see an emblem of the far more deplorable state of many souls. Every vile affection grows in men's hearts; yet they compose themselves to sleep. Let us show wisdom by doubling our diligence in every good thing.