Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 24

Verses 1-2

Pro 24:1-2

Proverbs 24:1-2

"Be not thou envious of evil men; Neither desire to be with them: For their heart studieth oppression, And their lips talk of mischief."

Another admonition against envy is in Proverbs 23:17. Envy is not merely destructive of the personality of the envious, but it also provides a motive for many kinds of wickedness. One is foolish indeed to envy wicked people, who, regardless of their earthly status, are doomed to eternal death. There is a strange attractiveness about evil. "Young people, and sometimes older people, are fascinated by the glamour and aura of success and power which sometimes clings to evil men.” The wise should look beyond all of that and consider the ultimate fate of all wicked men.

Proverbs 24:1. Two prohibitions: don’t desire to be like evil men and don’t desire to run with them. If one doesn’t envy them, he won’t run with them, and if one doesn’t run with them, he will not become like them. Other passages about not envying such: Proverbs 24:19; Psalms 37:1; Psalms 73:3; Proverbs 3:31; Proverbs 23:17. Another passage about not desiring to be with evil people: Proverbs 1:15.

Proverbs 24:2. In Proverbs the expression “evil woman” usually is referring to an adulterous woman and a “evil man” to oppressors (as in this verse). These evil men have their “heart” involved in their sin, and they “study” how to be successful in their wickedness. 2 Timothy 2:15 shows that the righteous should study to show themselves approved unto God.

Verses 3-4

Pro 24:3-4

Proverbs 24:3-4

"Through wisdom is a house builded; And by understanding it is established; And by knowledge are the chambers filled With all precious and pleasant riches."

This proverb merely states that it takes wisdom to build, establish and properly furnish a house; but DeHoff is probably right in taking the passage as a metaphor of the fact that righteous and godly living are required to build, "A family, a good name, and to establish them.”

Proverbs 24:3. After two verses on the destructive way of the wicked, it is refreshing to come to two verses on building a house through wisdom, honesty, and diligence (Proverbs 24:3-4). Notice that “wisdom” is with the builder, not the destroyer. Oppressors who take the sword will perish by the sword (Matthew 26:52), not living out half of their days (Psalms 55:23). While these will be “cut off”, the righteous will live on in the earth (Psalms 37:9),

Proverbs 24:4. There is really a close relationship between “wisdom”, “understanding,” and “knowledge”. Proverbs 24:5 says the first two build and establish the house while this verse says the last mentioned fills its chambers with riches. It is obvious that these verses are dealing with the house of the wealthy. Notice the two adjectives describing riches: “precious” and “pleasant”. This is godly wealth, gained in the proper way and not by oppression. This makes such wealth “precious” to the possessor and “pleasant” also.

Verses 5-6

Pro 24:5-6

Proverbs 24:5-6

"A wise man is strong; Yea, a man of knowledge increaseth might. For by wise guidance thou shalt make thy war; And in the multitude of counselors there is safety."

The second line of Proverbs 24:6 is identical with that in Proverbs 11:14. This proverb stresses the superiority of wisdom over physical strength. One example of this is that, "A wise man constructs a machine, or a device, that will do the work of a hundred or even of a thousand men; but in all cases wisdom gives power and influence; and he who is wise unto salvation can overcome Satan himself.”

Proverbs 24:5. The thought of wisdom is continued in this verse, this time stating that its possession makes one a strong man. Grammatically the verse is Hebrew parallelism in which the second statement is a restatement of the first. Other passages on the “might” of wisdom: Proverbs 21:22; Ecclesiastes 9:16. The section in which the last mentioned verse is found tells, “There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it. Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city” (Ecclesiastes 9:14-15).

Proverbs 24:6. The strength referred to in Proverbs 24:5 was evidently military strength as this verse shows. The first statement of this verse is found in Proverbs 20:18, and its last statement is found in Proverbs 11:14. Proverbs 15:22 is similar to the last statement. Kings kept courts of wise men to counsel them in time of war. David (and later Absalom) had Ahithophel (2 Samuel 16:23), and Ahab had his prophets (1 Kings 22:6).

Verse 7

Pro 24:7

Proverbs 24:7

"Wisdom is too high for a fool: He openeth not his mouth in the gate."

In ancient cities, the elders of the people, or the rulers and principle men of the city, were accustomed to have their assemblies in the city gate, where open spaces were available. A fool would not dare to speak in the presence of the wise men. "Wisdom and a fool are incompatible.”

Proverbs 24:7. A fool does not have wisdom, or he would not be a fool, for the two are considered opposites (Proverbs 11:29; Proverbs 14:16; Proverbs 17:24; Proverbs 29:11). The “gate” was the place of official and legal business where wise men presided (Proverbs 31:23). Because he does not have wisdom, the fool will not be one of the elders of his city.

Verses 8-9

Pro 24:8-9

Proverbs 24:8-9

"He that deviseth to do evil, Men shall call him a mischief-maker. The thought of foolishness is sin; And the scoffer is an abomination to men."

Proverbs 24:8 here speaks of a man, so depraved and sinful that, "He needs no temptation of the devil, but contrives and plots sin in his own mind.” Significantly, a man’s evil thoughts are here classified as sins. The universal detestation that scoffers deserve is stressed in the last line.

Proverbs 24:8 The evil and wickedness that are in the world stem from the devil, but he works through human beings to bring them about; thus, there are those who devise evil. Such a one shall soon be known, and his persistence in such behavior will give him a reputation. Others may be slow in recognizing worth in an individual or in praising him, but they will not fail to notice his evil and in telling others about it. He will not fool them: “Men shall call him a mischief-maker.”

Proverbs 24:9. We know that the act of foolishness is sin (2 Samuel 24:10); here we are told that even the thought (whether expressed in act or not) is likewise sin. By “thoughts” adultery is committed in the heart (Matthew 5:27-28). By “Thoughts” one who hates is guilty of murder before God (1 John 3:15). A “scoffer” is one who not only rejects that which he should believe but who laughs at, makes fun at, that which he should believe and at those who do believe. He is also called a “mocker”, which he is: “In the last days mockers shall come...saying, Where is the promise of his coming?” (2 Peter 3:3). Such will not only lose out with God, but they have already lost out with them (“The scoffer is an abomination to men”).

Verse 10

Pro 24:10

Proverbs 24:10

"If thou faint in the day of adversity, Thy strength is small."

It is the crisis that separates the men from the boys. "If you show weakness in a crisis, your strength is small." "Exceptional strain is a fair test of a man’s mettle. It is the hireling, not the true shepherd, who will plead bad conditions, hopeless tasks, or pardonable ignorance." The man who truly loves the Lord will be faithful, "even unto death."

Proverbs 24:10. Adversity (Opposition, trials, reverses) test one’s strength (faith, courage, emotional composure). Some can stand more adversity than others. We should all strive to be “strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). No man should be content to remain weak, yet there are those who “faint” (lose heart, fall apart, give up) when hardships come. Such lack depth: “He hath not root in himself...when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway he stumbleth” (Matthew 13:21). Here is where determination and depth of character are important. One cannot be an overcomer without them. The world is divided into two classes: the “overcomers” and the “overcome”.

Verses 11-12

Pro 24:11-12

Proverbs 24:11-12

"Deliver them that are carried away unto death, And those that are ready to be slain, see that thou hold back. If thou sayest, Behold, we knew not this; Doth not he that weigheth the hearts consider it? And he that keepeth thy soul, doth he not know it? And shall he not render to every man according to his work?"

"See that thou hold back" (Proverbs 24:11) actually means, "See that thou hold them back that are perishing." The marginal reading (American Standard Version) makes this clear. "Forbear thou not, to deliver."

Taken along with Proverbs 24:10, there are three situations here where a true man, instead of avoiding his duty, should discharge it. "These are the crisis (Proverbs 24:10), the near-hopeless task (Proverbs 24:11), and pardonable ignorance (`We knew not this, Proverbs 24:12’).” Such difficult, unanticipated and near-hopeless situations are to be expected in the Christian life (Acts 14:22). God pity the Christian who refuses to be involved, saying, "Well, that’s none of my business."

Proverbs 24:11. These are people who need delivering and who are evidently worthy. Those addressed also have the power to deliver them. Ability with opportunity represent responsibility to do so. “Hold back” those who would otherwise be slain. Sometimes people fail to save others for fear of getting themselves into troubles. But Christians will do their duty even if it involves laying down their lives (Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 13:3; 1 John 3:16). Other passages to consult: Psalms 82:4; Isaiah 58:6-7.

Proverbs 24:12. People sometimes try to cover the reality of their failures (to deliver people as in Proverbs 24:11) by excusing themselves as if ignorant of the need. But this lie but adds another sin to the great sin of irresponsibility already committed. God knows the truth; He knows (weighs) the heart (Proverbs 21:2). And He will someday punish a person for his neglect of duty. Other passages; Job 34:11; Psalms 62:12; Jeremiah 32:19; Romans 2:6; Revelation 2:23; Revelation 22:12.

Verses 13-14

Pro 24:13-14

Proverbs 24:13-14

"My son, eat thou honey, for it is good; And the droppings of the honeycomb which are sweet to thy taste: So shalt thou know wisdom to be unto thy soul; If thou hast found it, then shall there be a reward, And thy hope shall not be cut off."

"Wisdom is to the mind what honey is to the mouth.”

"If thou hast found it ... hope shall not be cut off" (Proverbs 24:14). Note the word IF. The teaching here is that one’s eternal hope depends upon his finding wisdom. The wisdom that saves the soul is found only in the Holy Bible; and therefore an apostle has commanded us to, "Study to show thyself approved unto God" (2 Timothy 2:15). It is to be feared the TV set, the newspaper, the radio, and that roaring tornado of noise that Satan is blowing upon us from all directions have fatally interfered with many Christian’s obedience to this commandment.

Proverbs 24:13. The people of that day depended upon honey for their sweetening, and a good sweetener it was! Its properties are still highly acclaimed by health-people. Palestine was a land with an abundance of natural honey (Exodus 3:8).

Proverbs 24:14. The father would urge his son to seek, find, and know wisdom with the same eagerness with which he enjoyed the sweetness of honey. The sweetness of the wisdom found in the Word of God is compared with the sweetness of honey: Psalms 19:10; Psalms 119:103. The ending of this verse is much like Proverbs 23:18. It shows the great reward and the hopeful life that wisdom brings to its possessor.

Verses 15-16

Pro 24:15-16

Proverbs 24:15-16

"Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the habitation of the righteous; Destroy not his resting place: For a righteous man falleth seven times, and riseth up again; But the wicked are overthrown by calamity."

This warning is pointed squarely at the wicked, stressing the fact that God Himself blesses, preserves and protects his true followers. Christ himself promised to be with his followers "even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:18-20); and in spite of the fact that this is not a blanket exemption from the trials and misfortunes of life, what is stated here is a true and faithful promise of God’s eternal preference for the righteous.

Proverbs 24:15. The wicked are described as lying in wait for the righteous, seeking his ruination (Psalms 37:32). Whoever does this qualifies for the title “wicked man” used here. Every persecutor of the righteous would be included in what is said here.

Proverbs 24:16. The righteous will have many trials, but he will prevail through the special help of God. Notice these interesting verses: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous; But Jehovah delivereth him out of them all” (Psalms 34:19); “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For Jehovah upholdeth him with his hand” (Psalms 37:24); “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, Jehovah will be a light unto me” (Micah 7:8); “He will deliver thee in six troubles; Yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee” (Job 5:19). In other words, as our expressions go, “you can’t keep a good man down;” he may be “down”, but he isn’t “out”. But notice that when the wicked fall, he is not promised to come back, for he has no personal God to whom to look for restoration.

Verses 17-18

Pro 24:17-18

Proverbs 24:17-18

"Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, And let not thy heart be glad when he is overthrown; Lest Jehovah see it, and it displease him, And he turn away his wrath from him."

"This teaches that it is one’s duty not to rejoice at the misfortunes of enemies. The word `rejoice’ refers to audible expressions of exultation. This, of course is a negative commandment; but the positive side of it, `sympathy for enemies’, although not expressed, may be implied (Matthew 5:44).”

Furthermore, this proverb does not teach that God may allow a wicked man to go unpunished, merely because some person rejoiced at his downfall. "The implication of the passage is that God might be more concerned with punishing his disobedient follower than that of the outright wicked.”

Proverbs 24:17. The natural man has a tendency to rejoice over his enemy’s troubles (Psalms 35:15). Obadiah 1:12 told Edom not to rejoice over Israel’s fall. David prayed that his enemies would not be given the chance to rejoice over his calamities (Psalms 35:19). Job said he had not erred in this field (Job 31:29). And David was a good example of one who did not rejoice over his enemies’ misfortunes: see him as he weeps over the death of Saul (2 Samuel 1:11) and over the death of the revolting Absalom (2 Samuel 18:33).

Proverbs 24:18. God sees everything that takes place on the earth. He saw Adam and Eve’s sin in the beginning, and He has seen every sin since. Rejoicing over an enemy’s troubles or fall is displeasing to God to the point that in some way He will deal mercifully with him in the future as a result.

Verses 19-20

Pro 24:19-20

Proverbs 24:19-20

"Fret not thyself because of evil-doers; Neither be thou envious at the wicked: For there shall be no reward to the evil man; The lamp of the wicked shall be put out."

Here is the basic proposition upon which the love and worship of God are founded, namely, his hatred of wickedness. The basic assumption of the God-fearing worshipper is that wickedness cannot win, that there will come a time when God in righteous wrath will rise up and cast evil out of his universe. The judgment scene in Matthew 25 envisions that very thing. For the people who understand this, the envy of the wicked, regardless of what blessings they may enjoy in the present life, is absolutely an impossibility.

It is a thoughtless Christian indeed who will fret himself because of success and blessings that attend obviously wicked people. It is inevitable that in a world where nearly all the people are moving in open rebellion against God, that all kinds of injustices and inequities should be, at times, the portion of the godly.

"The prosperity of the wicked is only temporary; they are detested by God (Proverbs 3:32), and are doomed (Proverbs 24:20).” The second line of Proverbs 24:20 is identical with that of Proverbs 13:9.

Proverbs 24:19. Here we go again with the same instruction that must be more needful that we would realize (see Proverbs 24:1 and Psalms 37:1 and Proverbs 23:17). Psalms 73:3 shows the tendency toward doing this: “I was envious at the arrogant, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”

Proverbs 24:20. Really there is nothing about the prosperous wicked to envy when we consider their end (no reward and his lamp put out). Both Bildad (“Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, And the spark of his fire shall not shine. The light shall be dark in his tent, And his lamp above him shall be put out” (Job 18:5-6) and Job (“How oft is it that the lamp of the wicked is put out?” Job 21:17) realized that God would deal with the wicked. Other passages on the light of the wicked going out: Proverbs 13:9; Proverbs 20:20. The Psalmist in Psalms 73:3-16 quit envying the wicked when he went into the sanctuary and considered their “latter end” (Proverbs 24:17).

Verses 21-22

Pro 24:21-22

Proverbs 24:21-22

"My son, fear thou Jehovah and the king; And company not with them that are given to change: For their calamity shall rise suddenly; And the destruction from them both, who knoweth it?"

This passage has part of the instruction that the apostle Peter gave; "Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king (see 1 Peter 2:17)

"Company not with them that are given to change" (Proverbs 24:21) apparently refers to malcontents seeking a change in the government; but there is even a wider application. Every church is plagued by a certain element within it which identifies change with `progress.’ They are never willing for anything to continue very long without demanding a change. Not long ago in Houston, a church announced that a committee had been appointed to arrange a different order of worship every Sunday! Some decided to go somewhere else.

This brings us to the conclusion of the "Thirty Words" of the wise men; but sure enough, here are some more "Words of the wise men"!

Proverbs 24:21. Man is to respect both God’s government and that government that is over him: “Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). 1 Peter 2:17 also says, “Fear God. Honor the king.” We are to fear God because He possesses primary authority, and we are to fear the king because He possesses delegated authority from God: “Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers...the powers that be are ordained of God. Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God” (Romans 13:1-2). Those “given to change” are anarchists, revolutionists, who instead of being in subjection to the established power are found guilty of resisting it to the extent of trying to overthrow it.

Proverbs 24:22. Whoever resists God, and whoever resists the government will ultimately be brought face to face with those whom they are resisting. And, oh, the severity of the ruin that will come as punishments from God and from civil authority! Who can describe it when it cannot be fully known?

Verses 23-25

Pro 24:23-25

Proverbs 24:23-25

"These also are sayings of the wise: To have respect of persons in judgment is not good. He that saith to the wicked, Thou art righteous, Peoples shall curse him, nations shall abhor him; But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, And a good blessing shall come upon them."

"God is no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34); and any man sitting in judgment upon others identifies himself as God’s enemy when he respects the persons of offenders.

Proverbs 24:24-25 cite an example of some magistrate’s respect of the person of a wicked man, saying, "Thou art righteous." The hatred of peoples and nations for such behavior is certain to follow; but all mankind honors sound and righteous judgment; and the blessing of God attends it.

Proverbs 24:23. The opening statement indicates that the following verses form some kind of a section or collection of sayings included by Inspiration. We do not know to whom they belong as we do later groupings in Proverbs (See Proverbs 25:1) Proverbs 30:1; Proverbs 31:1). The Bible has much to say about conducting court: “Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, not honor the person of the mighty; but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor” (Leviticus 19:15); “Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; ye shall hear the small and the great alike” (Deuteronomy 1:17); “Thou shalt not wrest justice: thou shalt not respect persons; neither shalt thou take a bribe” (Deuteronomy 16:19). See Proverbs 18:5; Proverbs 28:21 also.

Proverbs 24:24. Proverbs 24:24-26 are also talking of court cases. Through bribes, through respect of persons, through friendships and alliances, etc., justice sometimes gets perverted, and the guilty are freed. This verse says, “Peoples shall curse him, nations shall abhor him.” Isaiah 5:22-23 says, “Woe unto them...that justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!” And Proverbs 17:15 says, “He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah.”

Proverbs 24:25. People can usually tell when a judge is “bought off” and when he deals straightforwardly with a guilty case. They want him to rebuke the wicked, for he has it coming, and only by this means can crime be held in check in society. It is evident that the people were glad when the priest Jehoiada put down the wicked usurper Athaliah: “All the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet” (2 Chronicles 23:21).

Verse 26

Pro 24:26

Proverbs 24:26

"He kisseth the lips who giveth a right answer."

This speaks of the appreciation that falls upon a witness who testifies honestly before a tribunal.

Proverbs 24:26. A judge giving a proper sentence to the wicked is so “in stride” with the thoughts and feelings of the people as one who kisses another.

Verse 27

Pro 24:27

Proverbs 24:27

"Prepare thy work without, And make it ready for thee in the field; And afterward build thy house."

This is obviously a figurative or idiomatic expression meaning that, "Counting the cost and preparing the materials are preliminary prerequisites for the accomplishment of any enterprise.” Christ taught the same thing (Luke 14:28 ff).

Proverbs 24:27. The Scriptures show that there is preparatory work to be done before the actual construction begins: “Which of you, desiring to build a tower, doth not first sit down and count the cost, whether he have wherewith to complete it?” (Luke 14:28); “And the king commanded, and they hewed out great stones, costly stones, to lay the foundation of the house with wrought stone. And Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s builders and the Gebalites did fashion them, and prepared the timber and the stones to build the house” (1 Kings 5:17-18).

Verses 28-29

Pro 24:28-29

Proverbs 24:28-29

"Be not a witness against thy neighbor without cause; And deceive not with thy lips. Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me; I will render to the man according to his work."

These verses are related, both of them dealing with one’s relations with a neighbor. Proverbs 24:28 means that one should not witness against a neighbor "for spite"; and Proverbs 24:29 warns against taking vengeful action against a neighbor for some alleged grievance. (Romans 12:19).

Proverbs 24:28. To do this would make one a “false witness”, one who “lies”. The 9th Commandment forbad this (“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor,” Exodus 20:16) as does Ephesians 4:25 (“Putting away falsehood, speak ye truth each one with his neighbor”). Oh, how wicked to use one’s lips purposely to deceive others, who will believe what is being said and which will result in needless grief, sorrow, and loss to the one being lied about! God did not give man the gift of speech for this purpose.

Proverbs 24:29. Far too many people when wronged respond with an immediate desire to “get even”; they can think only of retaliation. But the Bible brings out that God, the Judge, will bring any retaliation that is to be brought; consequently, He commands us not to take vengeance ourselves: “Say not thou, I will recompense evil: Wait for Jehovah, and he will save thee” (Proverbs 20:22); “Render to no man evil for evil...Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:17-19). Instead, Jesus’ rule was: “All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them” (Matthew 7:12).

Verses 30-34

Pro 24:30-34

Proverbs 24:30-34

"I went by the field of the sluggard, And by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, The face thereof was covered with nettles, And the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I beheld, and considered well; I saw, and received instruction: Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep; So shall thy poverty come as a robber, And thy want as an armed man."

This, of course, is another denunciation of sloth and a warning against it. This ranks as one of the favorite subjects in Proverbs. It has already been treated in Proverbs 10:26; Proverbs 12:11; Proverbs 12:24; Proverbs 12:27; Proverbs 13:4; Proverbs 14:4; Proverbs 14:23; Proverbs 15:19; Proverbs 16:26; Proverbs 18:9; Proverbs 19:15; Proverbs 19:24; Proverbs 20:4; Proverbs 20:13; Proverbs 21:25; Proverbs 22:13. See our comments under those references. Actually, this particular reference is the most colorful of all the denunciations of sloth. "A little folding of the hands to sleep"! Who could ever forget a line like that?

Proverbs 24:30. There has always been, and there will probably always be, a certain percentage of lazy people. They are also said to be “void of understanding”; in other words, one with good understanding will not be a sluggard. Such a person has a “field” (for wheat or some other crop) or a “vineyard” (of grapes) not because he wants to farm, not to take care of, etc. He may have come into possession of such by inheritance rather than by purchase.

Proverbs 24:31. The sluggard did not plant a crop: thorns and nettles grew up and took over, and the stone wall around the vineyard to protect the vineyard was broken down here and there and had not been kept in a state of repair. Oh, the way that some people can neglect a place and let it run down! This condition existed because of a man’s laziness.

Proverbs 24:32. Who could keep from noticing the sad condition of both field and wall? The writer says he looked on the situation, pondered over it, and learned from it. Observation is one of wise people’s greatest teachers!

Proverbs 24:33. What did the onlooker learn? That a lazy person loves to sleep too much.

Proverbs 24:34. And he learned that such over-sleeping would result in a man’s poverty. “Robbers” (armed men) usually had nothing, for they did not work, and what they got from robbing did not last them too long. Proverbs 6:10-11 contains the same material as Proverbs 24:33-34. It is a shame to be poor because of one’s refusal to work.

Proverbs of Solomon - Proverbs 24:1-34

Open It

1. What gives you hope for the future?

2. What sort of people are envied in our society?

3. How responsible do you think most poor people are for their poverty?

Explore It

4. Whom did the author say not to envy? (Proverbs 24:1-2)

5. What common themes link the proverbs in this chapter together? (Proverbs 24:1-34)

6. What characters are discussed in these verses? (Proverbs 24:1-34)

7. How is a household built, established, and furnished? (Proverbs 24:3-4)

8. What does the wise person have? (Proverbs 24:5-6)

9. What happens to a person who plots evil? (Proverbs 24:8-9)

10. What does a person’s response to hardship reveal? (Proverbs 24:10)

11. Whom did the author encourage his reader to rescue and hold back? (Proverbs 24:11)

12. According to what will each person be repaid? (Proverbs 24:12)

13. What is sweet to the soul? (Proverbs 24:13-14)

14. What should we not do when an enemy falls? (Proverbs 24:17-18)

15. Why should we not envy wicked people? (Proverbs 24:19-20)

16. Whom should we fear? (Proverbs 24:21-22)

17. What did the author say was not good? (Proverbs 24:23-25)

18. What is an honest answer like? (Proverbs 24:26)

19. What should we not do to our neighbor? (Proverbs 24:28-29)

20. What did the author learn from observing the field of the sluggard? (Proverbs 24:30-34)

Get It

21.When have you envied an evil person’s life-style, wealth, possessions, privileges?

22. How can we build, establish, and furnish our families with God’s wisdom?

23. Why might someone hold back from helping a person who is in danger?

24. How can we feed our soul with God’s wisdom?

25. Why is it tempting to gloat when someone you dislike fails?

26. What type of people are you tempted to be partial toward?

27. Why do we put off doing difficult or unpleasant tasks even when they are important?

28. In what areas of responsibility do you tend to be lazy?

29. What lessons can we learn from the life of the sluggard?

Apply It

30. What can you do this week to build, establish, or furnish your family with wisdom, understanding, or knowledge?

31. In what one area of your life in which you tend to be lazy do you want to make a concerted effort to be more diligent?