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.'
30 Near the field of a slothful man I passed by, And near the vineyard of a man lacking heart. 31 And lo, it hath gone up—all of it—thorns! Covered its face have nettles, And its stone wall hath been broken down. 32 And I see—I—I do set my heart, I have seen—I have received instruction, 33 A little sleep—a little slumber—A little folding of the hands to lie down. 34 And thy poverty hath come 'as' a traveller, And thy 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.