17 Don't rejoice when your enemies fall; don't be happy when they stumble. 18 For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them.
19 Don't fret because of evildoers; don't envy the wicked. 20 For evil people have no future; the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.
21 My child, fear the Lord and the king. Don't associate with rebels, 22 for disaster will hit them suddenly. Who knows what punishment will come from the Lord and the king?
23 Here are some further sayings of the wise: It is wrong to show favoritism when passing judgment. 24 A judge who says to the wicked, "You are innocent," will be cursed by many people and denounced by the nations. 25 But it will go well for those who convict the guilty; rich blessings will be showered on them. 26 An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship.
27 Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house.
28 Don't testify against your neighbors without cause; don't lie about them. 29 And don't say, "Now I can pay them back for what they've done to me! I'll get even with them!"
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.