24 He who says to the evil-doer, You are upright, will be cursed by peoples and hated by nations. 25 But those who say sharp words to him will have delight, and a blessing of good will come on them. 26 He gives a kiss with his lips who gives a right answer.
27 Put your work in order outside, and make it ready in the field; and after that, see to the building of your house.
28 Do not be a violent witness against your neighbour, or let your lips say what is false. 29 Say not, I will do to him as he has done to me; I will give the man the reward of his work.
30 I went by the field of the hater of work, and by the vine-garden of the man without sense; 31 And it was all full of thorns, and covered with waste plants, and its stone wall was broken down. 32 Then looking at it, I gave thought: I saw, and I got teaching from it. 33 A little sleep, a little rest, a little folding of the hands in sleep: 34 So loss will come on you like an outlaw, and your need like 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.