24 He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous;”
peoples shall curse him, and nations shall abhor him— 25 but it will go well with those who convict the guilty,
and a rich blessing will come on them. 26 An honest answer
is like a kiss on the lips.
27 Prepare your work outside,
and get your fields ready.
Afterwards, build your house.
28 Don’t be a witness against your neighbor without cause.
Don’t deceive with your lips. 29 Don’t say, “I will do to him as he has done to me;
I will render to the man according to his work.”
30 I went by the field of the sluggard,
by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; 31 Behold, it was all grown over with thorns.
Its surface was covered with nettles,
and its stone wall was broken down. 32 Then I saw, and considered well.
I saw, and received instruction: 33 a little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to sleep; 34 so your poverty will come as a robber,
and your want as an armed man.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 24:24-34
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.