17 Don't laugh when your enemy falls; don't crow over his collapse. 18 God might see, and become very provoked, and then take pity on his plight.
19 Don't bother your head with braggarts or wish you could succeed like the wicked. 20 Those people have no future at all; they're headed down a dead-end street.
21 Fear God, dear child - respect your leaders; don't be defiant or mutinous. 22 Without warning your life can turn upside-down, and who knows how or when it might happen?
23 It's wrong, very wrong, to go along with injustice. 24 Whoever whitewashes the wicked gets a black mark in the history books, 25 But whoever exposes the wicked will be thanked and rewarded. 26 An honest answer is like a warm hug.
27 First plant your fields; then build your barn.
28 Don't talk about your neighbors behind their backs - no slander or gossip, please. 29 Don't say to anyone, "I'll get back at you for what you did to me. I'll make you pay for what you did!"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 24:17-29
Commentary on Proverbs 24:17-18
(Read Proverbs 24:17-18)
The pleasure we are apt to take in the troubles of an enemy is forbidden.
Commentary on Proverbs 24:19-20
(Read Proverbs 24:19-20)
Envy not the wicked their prosperity; be sure there is no true happiness in it.
Commentary on Proverbs 24:21-22
(Read Proverbs 24:21-22)
The godly in the land, will be quiet in the land. There may be cause to change for the better, but have nothing to do with them that are given change.
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.