17 In the falling of thine enemy rejoice not, And in his stumbling let not thy heart be joyful, 18 Lest Jehovah see, and 'it be' evil in His eyes, And He hath turned from off him His anger.
19 Fret not thyself at evil doers, Be not envious at the wicked, 20 For there is not a posterity to the evil, The lamp of the wicked is extinguished.
21 Fear Jehovah, my son, and the king, With changers mix not up thyself, 22 For suddenly doth their calamity rise, And the ruin of them both—who knoweth!
23 These also are for the wise:—To discern faces in judgment is not good. 24 Whoso is saying to the wicked, 'Thou 'art' righteous,' Peoples execrate him—nations abhor him. 25 And to those reproving it is pleasant, And on them cometh a good blessing. 26 Lips he kisseth who is returning straightforward words.
27 Prepare in an out-place thy work, And make it ready in the field—go afterwards, Then thou hast built thy house.
28 Be not a witness for nought against thy neighbour, Or thou hast enticed with thy lips. 29 Say not, 'As he did to me, so I do to him, I render to each according to his work.'
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.