Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 24
Verses 1-34
CHAPTER 24
Pr 24:1-34.
1, 2. (Compare Pr 23:3, 17; Ps 37:1).
Verses 2
2. studieth—meditateth.
talk … mischief—Their expressed purposes are to do evil.
Verses 3
3, 4. (Compare Pr 14:1; Isa 54:14).
house—including the family.
Verses 4
4. by knowledge … riches—(Pr 8:18; 21:20).
Verses 5
5, 6. The general statement (Ec 9:16, 18) is specially illustrated (compare Pr 21:22; Ps 144:1).
Verses 6-7
7. (Compare Pr 14:16).
in the gate—(Compare Pr 22:22).
Verses 8
8. So called even if he fails to do evil.
Verses 9
9. Same thought varied.
Verses 10
10. Literally, "If thou fail in the day of straits (adversity), strait (or, small) is thy strength," which is then truly tested.
Verses 11
11, 12. Neglect of known duty is sin (Jas 4:17).
ready—literally, "bowing down"
to be slain—that is, unjustly. God's retributive justice cannot be avoided by professed ignorance.
Verses 12-13
13, 14. As delicious food whets the appetite, so should the rewards of wisdom excite us to seek it.
Verses 14
14. reward—literally, "after part," the proper result (compare Pr 23:18; Ps 37:37, 38).
Verses 15
15, 16. The plots of the wicked against the good, though partially, shall not be fully successful (Ps 37:24); while the wicked, falling under penal evil, find no help.
Verses 16
16. seven times—often, or many (Pr 6:16, 31; 9:1).
Verses 17
17, 18. Yet let none rejoice over the fate of evildoers, lest God punish their wrong spirit by relieving the sufferer (compare Pr 17:5; Job 31:29).
Verses 18-19
19, 20. (Ps 37:1, 38; 18:28).
Verses 20
20. candle—or, "prosperity"; it shall come to an end (Pr 13:9; 20:20).
Verses 21
21, 22. A warning against impiety and resistance to lawful rule (Ro 13:1-7; 1Pe 2:17).
meddle … change—(Compare Margin), literally, "mingle not yourself," avoid the society of restless persons.
Verses 22
22. their calamity, &c.—either what God and the king inflict, or what changers and their company suffer; better the first.
Verses 23
23. These … wise—literally, "are of the wise," as authors (compare "Psalms of David," Hebrew). "These" refers to the verses following, Pr 24:24-34.
to have respect—literally, "to discern faces," show partiality,
Verses 24
24, 25. of which an example is justifying the wicked, to which is opposed, rebuking him, which has a blessing.
Verses 25-26
26. kiss his lips—love and obey, do homage (Ps 2:12; So 8:1).
right answer—literally, "plain words" (compare Pr 8:9), opposed to deceptive, or obscure.
Verses 27
27. Prepare … in the field—Secure, by diligence, a proper support, and then build; provide necessaries, then comforts, to which a house rather pertained, in a mild climate, permitting the use of tents.
Verses 28
28. Do not speak even truth needlessly against any, and never falsehood.
Verses 29
29. Especially avoid retaliation (Mt 5:43-45; Ro 12:17).
Verses 30
30, 31. A striking picture of the effects of sloth.
Verses 31-32
32-34. From the folly of the sluggard learn wisdom (Pr 6:10, 11).
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory (1871). Public domain.