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Involvement with the Wicked

Further Sayings of the Wise

Proverbs 24:1-34



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Involvement with the Wicked


Text:

Proverbs 24:1-34,

1. Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company;

2. for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about making

trouble.

3. By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is

established;

4. through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful

treasures.

5. A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases

strength;

6. for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.

7. Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the assembly at the gate he has

nothing to say.

8. He who plots evil will be known as a schemer.

9. The schemes of folly are sin, and men detest a mocker.

10. If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!

11. Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering

toward slaughter.

12. If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who

weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know

it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?

13. Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet

to your taste.

14. Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there

is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

15. Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a righteous man’s house,

do not raid his dwelling place;



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16. for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but

the wicked are brought down by calamity.

17. Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let

your heart rejoice,

18. or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away

from him.

19. Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of the wicked,

20. for the evil man has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked

will be snuffed out.

21. Fear the LORD and the king, my son, and do not join with the

rebellious,

22. for those two will send sudden destruction upon them, and who

knows what calamities they can bring? Further Sayings of the Wise

23. These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging

is not good:

24. Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent”— peoples will

curse him and nations denounce him.

25. But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich

blessing will come upon them.

26. An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

27. Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that,

build your house.

28. Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, or use your

lips to deceive.

29. Do not say, “I’ll do to him as he has done to me; I’ll pay that

man back for what he did.”

30. I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the

man who lacks judgment;

31. thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with

weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins.

32. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from

what I saw:

33. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to

rest—



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34. and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an

armed man. (NIV 1984)

Introduction:

I. “The introductory and concluding verses of Proverbs 24 relate to the

subject of involvement with wicked and foolish people. Most of the

other proverbs in this chapter can be subsumed under this heading…,”

Smith wrote.

A. Most of these proverbs are tetrastich in form: that is, they

consist of four (4) lines each, Smith stated.

II. McGee wrote, “This is the last chapter of the proverbs of Solomon,

which he wrote and arranged. After this we come to proverbs of

Solomon that were arranged by the men of Hezekiah. Evidently

Solomon wrote a great many proverbs. We have only a very small

percentage of the total number.”

III. Terminology: (Webster)

A. Caesura, a usual rhetorical break in the flow of sound in the

middle of a line of verse.

B. Distich, a proverb consisting of two lines.

C. Hemistich, half a poetic line of verse usually divided by a

caesura.

D. Hexastich, a proverb consisting of six lines.

E. Mashal Ode, (1) an ode is a song, a lyric poem, (2)

mashal/mashcil may have been a term referring to a psalm sung at

an annual festival, and accompanied by a special kind of music.

Mashal is a term used in the titles of thirteen psalms. (Youngblood)



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1. Proverbs 7:6-23, At the window of my house I looked

out through the lattice. I saw among the simple, I noticed

among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment. He

was going down the street near her corner, walking along

in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was

fading, as the dark of night set in. Then out came a

woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with

crafty intent. (She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay

at home; now in the street, now in the squares, at every

corner she lurks.) She took hold of him and kissed him

and with a brazen face she said: “I have fellowship

offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows. So I came

out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! I

have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. I

have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.

Come, let’s drink deep of love till morning; let’s enjoy

ourselves with love! My husband is not at home; he has

gone on a long journey. He took his purse filled with

money and will not be home till full moon.” With

persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him

with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an

ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose

till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a

snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. (NIV 1984)

2. Job 5:3-5, I myself have seen a fool taking root, but

suddenly his house was cursed. His children are far from

safety, crushed in court without a defender. The hungry

consume his harvest, taking it even from among thorns,

and the thirsty pant after his wealth. (NIV 1984)

3. Psalm 37:35, I have seen a wicked and ruthless man

flourishing like a green tree in its native soil, (NIV 1984)



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4. Isaiah 5:1-6, I will sing for the one I love a song about

his vineyard: My loved one had a vineyard on a fertile

hillside. He dug it up and cleared it of stones and planted

it with the choicest vines. He built a watchtower in it and

cut out a winepress as well. Then he looked for a crop of

good grapes, but it yielded only bad fruit. “Now you

dwellers in Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge between

me and my vineyard. What more could have been done

for my vineyard than I have done for it? When I looked

for good grapes, why did it yield only bad? Now I will tell

you what I am going to do to my vineyard: I will take

away its hedge, and it will be destroyed; I will break

down its wall, and it will be trampled. I will make it a

wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and briers and

thorns will grow there. I will command the clouds not to

rain on it.” (NIV 1984)

F. Tetrastich, a proverb consisting of four lines.

Commentary:

Note: We return here to the more usual form, the tetrastich. (Clarke)

Proverbs 24:1, Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their

company; (NIV 1984)

I. Do not envy wicked men (men wholly given over to evil),…

A. The list of things to be avoided is continued from the previous

chapter. (See Smith.)

B. Wicked people are not to be envied, honored, respected, nor

admired!



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1. Psalm 73:1-28, Surely God is good to Israel, to those

who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost

slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the

arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They

have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.

They are free from the burdens common to man; they are

not plagued by human ills. Therefore pride is their

necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From

their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of

their minds know no limits. They scoff, and speak with

malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression.

Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take

possession of the earth. Therefore their people turn to

them and drink up waters in abundance. They say, “How

can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?”

This is what the wicked are like— always carefree, they

increase in wealth. Surely in vain have I kept my heart

pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. All

day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every

morning. If I had said, “I will speak thus,” I would have

betrayed your children. When I tried to understand all

this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of

God; then I understood their final destiny. Surely you

place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to

ruin. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept

away by terrors! As a dream when one awakes, so when

you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.

When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I

was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before

you. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right

hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward

you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but

you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh

and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my

heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from



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you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the

Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.

(NIV 1984)

2. There is nothing about these “criminals” which should

appeal to the wise, righteous person.

3. Envy of another person’s success destroys the inner self of

the jealous person. (See Bland.)

a. Proverbs 14:30, A heart at peace gives life to the

body, but envy rots the bones. (NIV 1984)

C. This admonition is found elsewhere in the book of Proverbs.

(See Bland.)

1. Proverbs 23:17-18, Do not let your heart envy sinners,

but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. There is

surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be

cut off. (NIV 1984)

2. Proverbs 24:19-20, Do not fret because of evil men or

be envious of the wicked, for the evil man has no future

hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.

(NIV 1984)

D. Coffman, quoting the Broadman Bible Commentary, wrote,

“'Young people, and sometimes older people, are fascinated by the

glamour and aura of success and power which sometimes cling to

evil men. ' The wise should look beyond all of that and consider

the ultimate fate of all wicked men.”

II. do not desire their company;…



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A. The righteous are not to associate with wicked people, not to

have any interest in associating with evil people.

B. Do not desire their company because a day of reckoning is

coming. (McGee)

1. Associating with these evil men is corruptive and could

cause you to become a participant in their evil deeds.

(Clarke)

Proverbs 24:2, for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk

about making trouble. (NIV 1984)

I. for their hearts plot violence (study destruction), …

A. The hearts of the wicked are set on evil, violence, what crime

they are to commit next.

1. Proverbs 1:15, my son, do not go along with them, do

not set foot on their paths; (NIV 1984)

B. What the wicked do is morally wrong and a person who is

dedicated to righteousness, justice, and fairness will have nothing

to do with these evil people. (See Bland.)

II. and their lips talk about making trouble (mischief).

A. These people make themselves repugnant to the righteous by

uttering lies and slanders to harm others and/or to bring themselves

profit.

B. They are up to no good, only talk about making trouble

wherever they go!



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Note: In contrast with the conversation of the evil, wisdom is

commended. (Clarke)

Proverbs 24:3, By wisdom a house is built, and through

understanding it is established; (NIV 1984)

I. By wisdom a house (home, family) is built,…

A. Instead of trying to “get ahead” by associating with and

imitating evil people, live well by following the constructive ways

of wisdom.

1. Proverbs 3:19, By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s

foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in

place; (NIV 1984)

B. Wise people focus their energy on home building, (Smith)

family, and household affairs. (Clarke)

1. Proverbs 9:1, Wisdom has built her house; she has

hewn out its seven pillars. (NIV 1984)

2. Proverbs 14:1, The wise woman builds her house, but

with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. (NIV

1984)

C. The house wisdom builds is markedly different than the house

built by wicked men. (See Bland.)

1. Proverbs 1:10-19, My son, if sinners entice you, do not

give in to them. If they say, “Come along with us; let’s lie

in wait for someone’s blood, let’s waylay some harmless

soul; let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole,

like those who go down to the pit; we will get all sorts of

valuable things and fill our houses with plunder; throw in



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your lot with us, and we will share a common purse”—

my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on

their paths; for their feet rush into sin, they are swift to

shed blood. How useless to spread a net in full view of all

the birds! These men lie in wait for their own blood; they

waylay only themselves! Such is the end of all who go

after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the lives of those who

get it. (NIV 1984)

II. and through understanding it is established;…

A. The home is to be built by understanding.

Proverbs 24:4, through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and

beautiful treasures. (NIV 1984)

I. through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful

treasures.

A. Knowledge, rather than wickedness, is the way to achieve

lasting, genuine wealth. (See Smith.)

1. Proverbs 3:10, then your barns will be filled to

overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

(NIV 1984)

2. Proverbs 1:13, we will get all sorts of valuable things

and fill our houses with plunder; (NIV 1984)

3. Proverbs 22:18, for it is pleasing when you keep them

in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.

(NIV 1984)

Note: Wisdom is beneficial in peace and war. (Clarke)



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Proverbs 24:5, A wise man has great power, and a man of

knowledge increases strength; (NIV 1984)

I. A wise man has great power (is strong),…

A. A wise man knows how to maximize his strength.

B. The wise can construct, invent a great number of things that

enable them to accomplish much more than otherwise would have

been possible. (See Clarke)

C. “But in all cases wisdom gives power and influence; and he

who is wise to salvation can overcome even satan himself,” Clarke

wrote.

II. and a man of knowledge increases strength;…

A. Bland wrote, “True power resides not in brute physical strength,

but in knowledge or understanding.” (Bland)

1. Proverbs 11:14, For lack of guidance a nation falls, but

many advisers make victory sure. (NIV 1984)

2. Wisdom is superior to physical strength. (Coffman)

B. Trust in God increases strength.

1. Proverbs 21:22, A wise man attacks the city of the

mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.

(NIV 1984)

C. Knowledge, especially of God and his way, is superior to

human strength.



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1. Amos 2:13-16, “Now then, I will crush you as a cart

crushes when loaded with grain. The swift will not escape,

the strong will not muster their strength, and the warrior

will not save his life. The archer will not stand his ground,

the fleet-footed soldier will not get away, and the

horseman will not save his life. Even the bravest warriors

will flee naked on that day,” declares the LORD. (NIV

1984)

Proverbs 24:6, for waging war you need guidance, and for victory

many advisers. (NIV 1984)

I. for waging war you need guidance,…

A. The wise seek advice, guidance, in all matters and, thereby,

increase their ability to achieve.

1. Exodus 14:14, The LORD will fight for you; you need

only to be still.” (NIV 1984)

B. This certainly includes most serious matter such as waging war.

1. Proverbs 20:18, Make plans by seeking advice; if you

wage war, obtain guidance. (NIV 1984)

2. Proverbs 11:14, For lack of guidance a nation falls, but

many advisers make victory sure. (NIV 1984)

3. Proverbs 21:22, A wise man attacks the city of the

mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.

(NIV 1984)

4. Proverbs 15:22, Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with

many advisers they succeed. (NIV 1984)



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II. and for victory many advisors.

A. Wisdom wins! (Smith)

Note: Some distiches now follow, concerned with wisdom and its

opposite. (Clarke)

Proverbs 24:7, Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the assembly at the

gate he has nothing to say. (NIV 1984)

I. Wisdom is too high for a fool;…

A. “Wisdom is beyond a fool’s reach,” Smith stated.

1. Job 28:18, Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention;

the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. (NIV 1984)

Note: Bland quoting Clifford wrote, “…verses 3-6 describe the

advantages of wisdom and verses 7-9 speak of the disadvantages of

folly.”

II. in the assembly at the gate he has nothing to say.

A. In the city court the fool has nothing worth saying, (Smith) no

contribution to the issues being discussed and the decisions to be

made.” (Bland)

B. The topics being discussed at the city gates are too complicated

for the fool.

1. The fool is not qualified to hold public office or even to

participate in official deliberations. (See Clarke.)

2. Proverbs 8:3, beside the gates leading into the city, at

the entrances, she cries aloud: (NIV 1984)



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Proverbs 24:8, He who plots evil will be known as a schemer. (NIV

1984)

I. He who plots evil will be known as a schemer (a mischievous person,

lord of mischief).

A. A fool’s plotting and scheming are not to be confused with

wisdom.

B. By his evil plots he has lost all respect in the community and

has come to be known only as a vile schemer.

1. Proverbs 16:21, The wise in heart are called discerning,

and pleasant words promote instruction. (NIV 1984)

2. Proverbs 21:24, The proud and arrogant man—

“Mocker” is his name; he behaves with overweening

pride. (NIV 1984)

C. Evil thoughts are sinful. (Coffman)

Proverbs 24:9, The schemes of folly are sin, and men detest a

mocker. (NIV 1984)

I. The schemes of folly are sin,…

A. Folly, a fool, is not involved in wholesome, constructive

projects, endeavors.

1. The LXX via Clarke reads, “The impudent man (fool)

shall die in sins.”



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a. Fool, as used here, is a wicked person whose actions

and every thought of his heart are continually evil.

(Clarke)

2. The sinner is the real fool because he does not follow the

way of righteousness. (Clarke)

a. Sinfulness and foolishness as well as wisdom and

righteous are associated in Proverbs. (See Clarke.)

II. and men detest a mocker (scorner).

A. Mockers and evil, foolish schemers are not respected by decent

people.

B. Mockers are “an abomination to men” because they stir up strife

and confusion. (Smith)

C. Proverbs speaks of things which are abominations to God and

here the mocker has even become an abomination to people in

general.

Proverbs 24:10, If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your

strength! (NIV 1984)

I. If you falter (faint) in times of trouble (adversity), how small is your

strength!

A. Performance in times of crisis is the test of a man!

B. “…adversity tests the strength of one’s character,” Bland wrote.

1. Jeremiah 12:5-6, “If you have raced with men on foot

and they have worn you out, how can you compete with

horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you



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manage in the thickets by the Jordan? Your brothers,

your own family— even they have betrayed you; they

have raised a loud cry against you. Do not trust them,

though they speak well of you. (NIV 1984)

2. James 1:2-4, Consider it pure joy, my brothers,

whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you

know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be

mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV 1984)

C. Remember that some of God’s greatest servants faltered during

crises only to recover and again faithfully serve God.

1. Elijah

a. 1 Kings 19:1-18, Now Ahab told Jezebel

everything Elijah had done and how he had killed

all the prophets with the sword. So Jezebel sent a

messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with

me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I

do not make your life like that of one of them.”

Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came

to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there,

while he himself went a day’s journey into the

desert. He came to a broom tree, sat down under it

and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough,

LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than

my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the tree and

fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and

said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there

by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot

coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then

lay down again. The angel of the LORD came back a

second time and touched him and said, “Get up and



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eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got

up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he

traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached

Horeb, the mountain of God. There he went into a

cave and spent the night. And the word of the

LORD came to him: “What are you doing here,

Elijah?” He replied, “I have been very zealous for

the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have

rejected your covenant, broken down your altars,

and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am

the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me

too.” The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the

mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the

LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and

powerful wind tore the mountains apart and

shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the

LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was

an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the

earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but

the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire

came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he

pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood

at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him,

“What are you doing here, Elijah?” He replied, “I

have been very zealous for the LORD God

Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your

covenant, broken down your altars, and put your

prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one

left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” The

LORD said to him, “Go back the way you came, and

go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there,

anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu

son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha

son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you

as prophet. Jehu will put to death any who escape



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the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death

any who escape the sword of Jehu. Yet I reserve

seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not

bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not

kissed him.” (NIV 1984)

2. Simon Peter

a. John 18:15-18, 25-27, Simon Peter and another

disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple

was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus

into the high priest’s courtyard, but Peter had to

wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was

known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the

girl on duty there and brought Peter in. “You are

not one of his disciples, are you?” the girl at the door

asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.” It was cold, and

the servants and officials stood around a fire they

had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing

with them, warming himself. As Simon Peter stood

warming himself, he was asked, “You are not one of

his disciples, are you?” He denied it, saying, “I am

not.” One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of

the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged

him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the olive grove?”

Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster

began to crow. (NIV 1984)

b. John 21:15-19, When they had finished eating,

Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do

you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he

said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed

my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John,

do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord,

you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of



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my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon

son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt

because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you

love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you

know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. I

tell you the truth, when you were younger you

dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but

when you are old you will stretch out your hands,

and someone else will dress you and lead you where

you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate

the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God.

Then he said to him, “Follow me!”(NIV 1984)

3. “The man who truly loves the Lord will be faithful, ‘even

unto death.’” (Coffman)

Note: This hexastich inculcates humanity on the ground of God’s

omniscience. (Clarke)

Proverbs 24:11, Rescue those being led away to death; hold back

those staggering toward slaughter. (NIV 1984)

I. Rescue those being led away to death;…

A. Smith suggested the reference here may be to people whose

lives are in danger at the hands of lawless persons.

B. Bland noted “those being led away to death” could be:

1. unjustly accused prisoners,…

2. the morally blind,…

3. those robbed by bandits or victimized by oppressors.



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C. In any event, they are innocent of any wrongs in regard to the

situation in which they find themselves. (Bland)

D. Christians can expect to face trials and tribulations and must be

faithful in all circumstances.

1. Acts 14:21-22, They preached the good news in that

city and won a large number of disciples. Then they

returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening

the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the

faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the

kingdom of God,” they said. (NIV 1984)

E. The Pulpit Commentary quoting Cheyne reads, “Some victims

of a miscarriage of justice are about to be dragged away to

execution, and the disciple of wisdom is exhorted to use his

endeavors to deliver them.”

1. Psalm 82:3-4, Defend the cause of the weak and

fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.

Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand

of the wicked. (NIV 1984)

II. hold back those staggering toward slaughter.

A. “The godly person will not ‘withhold himself’ from saving

human lives unjustly imperiled,” Smith wrote, and, we might add,

even at the risk of his own life and well-being.

1. We must help those whom we can serve.

2. We must not neglect to serve those in need.

a. Sins of omission are just as serious as sins of

commission.



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b. McGee well wrote, “We do well to mark the

importance of this proverb and reach out to people who

are in need of our help.”

3. Christians have a moral obligation to save a human life

unjustly placed in danger. (See The Pulpit Commentary.)

Proverbs 24:12, If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does

not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards

your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what

he has done? (NIV 1984)

I. If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,”…

A. Some would try to avoid helping an endangered person by

claiming they know nothing of the situation. (See Smith.)

B. Failure to do all we can to rescue those being unjustly

mistreated is sinful! (See Clarke.)

1. We absolutely must not neglect to do all we can to save the

life of a man unjustly condemned. (Clarke)

2. Luke 10:25-37, On one occasion an expert in the law

stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I

do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?”

he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered: “‘Love

the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your

soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’;

and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “You have

answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will

live.” But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus,

“And who is my neighbor?” In reply Jesus said: “A man

was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell



23

into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his

clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.

A priest happened to be going down the same road, and

when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So

too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him,

passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he

traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him,

he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his

wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on

his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.

The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them

to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I

return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you

may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a

neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy

on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (NIV

1984)

II. does not he (God) who weighs the heart perceive it?

A. God knows the real reason this person did not help his troubled

neighbor and some people would also come to understand the

reason for his failure to help.

1. Proverbs 16:2, All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but

motives are weighed by the LORD.

2. Proverbs 21:2, A person may think their own ways are

right, but the LORD weighs the heart.

3. The answer to Cain’s question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”, is

a resounding, “Yes!”

III. Does not he who guards your life know it?



24

A. God cannot be deceived!

B. God is fully aware of the fact that certain people could have

helped the wrongly accused, but did nothing. (See Bland.)

1. “Failure to act is also the characteristic of the sluggard,”

Bland wrote.

IV. Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?

A. God will render “to every man according to his work.” (Smith)

B. Bland wrote that God is intimately and daily involved in the

hearts and minds of his people and discerns our thoughts and

intentions.

1. Proverbs 16:2, All a man’s ways seem innocent to him,

but motives are weighed by the LORD. (NIV 1984)

2. Proverbs 12:14, From the fruit of his lips a man is filled

with good things as surely as the work of his hands

rewards him. (NIV 1984)

3. Psalm 62:12, and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely

you will reward each person according to what he has

done. (NIV 1984)

4. Romans 2:6, God “will give to each person according to

what he has done.”

Note: Verses 13-14 are an exhortation to the study of wisdom, with an

analogy. (The Pulpit Commentary)



25

Proverbs 24:13, Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the

comb is sweet to your taste. (NIV 1984)

I. Eat honey, my son, for it is good;…

A. Honey is pleasant and beneficial to the body as wisdom is

pleasant and beneficial to the soul. (Smith)

B. Bland asked, “Is verse 13 an admonition to eat healthy food?

The sages were concerned about maintaining healthy physical

bodies.”

C. “Wisdom is To the mind what honey is to the mouth,” Coffman

wrote quoting the Interpreters’ Bible.

D. The Bible has much to say about honey and the honeycomb.

1. 1 Samuel 14:27, But Jonathan had not heard that his

father had bound the people with the oath, so he reached

out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it

into the honeycomb. He raised his hand to his mouth, and

his eyes brightened. (NIV 1984)

2. Psalm 19:10, They are more precious than gold, than

much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey

from the comb. (NIV 1984)

3. Proverbs 5:3, For the lips of an adulteress drip honey,

and her speech is smoother than oil; (NIV 1984)

4. Proverbs 16: 24, Pleasant words are a honeycomb,

sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (NIV 1984)

5. Proverbs 27:7, He who is full loathes honey, but to the

hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet. (NIV 1984)



26

6. Song of Solomon 4:11, Your lips drop sweetness as the

honeycomb, my bride; milk and honey are under your

tongue. The fragrance of your garments is like that of

Lebanon. (NIV 1984)

7. Song of Solomon 5:1, Lover I have come into my

garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh

with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb and my

honey; I have drunk my wine and my milk. Friends Eat,

O friends, and drink; drink your fill, O lovers. (NIV

1984)

8. Isaiah 7:15, He will eat curds and honey when he

knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right.

(NIV 1984)

9. Exodus 3:8, So I have come down to rescue them from

the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of

that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing

with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites,

Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. (NIV

1984)

II. honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.

A. As honey is sweet to the body, wisdom is sweet to the soul.

(See Bland.)

Proverbs 24:14, Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you

find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut

off. (NIV 1984)

I. Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul;…



27

A. Wisdom is truly valuable and beneficial.

1. Do all within your power to secure and keep great

quantities of wisdom.

B. Spiritual wisdom is to the soul what honey is to the body. (See

Clarke.)

II. if you find it, there is a future hope for you,…

A. The person who finds wisdom truly has “a confident outlook on

life” (Smith) while the person without wisdom has no hope for the

future.

B. Wisdom is a quality to be diligently sought, the finding of

which is a wondrous achievement! (See Bland.)

1. Proverbs 1:28, “Then they will call to me but I will not

answer; they will look for me but will not find me. (NIV

1984)

2. Proverbs 3:13, Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,

the man who gains understanding, (NIV 1984)

3. Proverbs 8:17, I love those who love me, and those who

seek me find me. (NIV 1984)

4. Proverbs 8:35, For whoever finds me finds life and

receives favor from the LORD. (NIV 1984)

C. Proverbs also speaks of finding what is good, a good wife, a

good man, etc. (See Bland.)



28

1. Proverbs 16:20, Whoever gives heed to instruction

prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. (NIV

1984)

2. Proverbs 18:22, He who finds a wife finds what is good

and receives favor from the LORD. (NIV 1984)

3. Proverbs 31:10, A wife of noble character who can

find? She is worth far more than rubies. (NIV 1984)

4. Proverbs 20:6, Many a man claims to have unfailing

love, but a faithful man who can find? (NIV 1984)

III. and your hope (reward) will not be cut off (fail you).

A. Proverbs 23:18, There is surely a future hope for you, and

your hope will not be cut off. (NIV 1984)

B. Only by way of spiritual wisdom can a person have an eternal

hope.

Note: A warning against plotting for the ruin of a good man’s house,

with a view doubtless of profiting by the disaster. (The Pulpit

Commentary).

Proverbs 24:15, Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a righteous

man’s house, do not raid his dwelling place; (NIV 1984)

I. Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a righteous man’s house,…

A. Wicked man, don’t attack the house of the righteous! “…it will

be a waste of time.” (Bland)

1. “The righteous are a hardy bunch. They will continually

recover from adversity…,” Bland wrote.



29

B. Scriptures:

1. Micah 7:8, Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I

have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the

LORD will be my light. (NIV 1984)

2. Amos 8:4, Hear this, you who trample the needy and do

away with the poor of the land, (NIV 1984)

3. Jeremiah 25:17, So I took the cup from the LORD’s

hand and made all the nations to whom he sent me drink

it: (NIV 1984)

4. Psalm 34:19-20, A righteous man may have many

troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he

protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.

(NIV 1984)

5. Ezekiel 33:8, When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man,

you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade

him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin,

and I will hold you accountable for his blood. (NIV 1984)

II. do not raid his dwelling place;…

A. The Lord defends the righteous.

1. Don’t harm him or his house!

2. Proverbs 19:26, He who robs his father and drives out

his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace. (NIV

1984)



30

3. John 16:2, They will put you out of the synagogue; in

fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will

think he is offering a service to God. (NIV 1984)

Proverbs 24:16, for though a righteous man falls seven times, he

rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity. (NIV

1984)

I. for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again,…

A. God helps the righteous man who shows his resiliency by

getting up time and again after he has been knocked down. (See

Smith.)

B. “Seven is the number of completeness,” McGee reminds us.

1. Peter fell and got up!

C. Holden via Clarke wrote, “Injure not a righteous man; for

though he frequently falls into distress, yet, by the superintending

care of Providence, he rises up again, is delivered from his distress,

while the wicked are overwhelmed with their misfortunes.”

1. Proverbs 11:5, 14, The righteousness of the blameless

makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are

brought down by their own wickedness. (NIV 1984)

2. Proverbs 13:17, A wicked messenger falls into trouble,

but a trustworthy envoy brings healing. (NIV 1984)

3. Proverbs 17:20, A man of perverse heart does not

prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.

(NIV 1984)



31

4. Proverbs 26:27, If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it; if

a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him. (NIV 1984)

5. Proverbs 28:10, 14, 18, He who leads the upright along

an evil path will fall into his own trap, but the blameless

will receive a good inheritance. Blessed is the man who

always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart

falls into trouble. He whose walk is blameless is kept safe,

but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fall. (NIV

1984)

D. These falls could involve sins as in the case of Simon Peter or

life’s calamities to which all are subject. (See The Pulpit

Commentary.)

1. In either event, the righteous recover.

II. but the wicked are brought down by calamity.

A. The wicked, when calamity knocks them down, do not get up

again and God does not come to their aid.

1. Judas fell and stayed down!

Note: Verses 17-18 are a warning against vindictiveness, nearly

approaching the great Christian maxim, “Love your enemies.” (The

Pulpit Commentary)

Proverbs 24:17, Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he

stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, (NIV 1984)

I. Do not gloat (rejoice) when your enemy falls;…

A. “Gloating (audible expressions of exultation) over the fall of

personal enemies is forbidden,” Smith wrote.



32

1. Matthew 5:44, But I tell you: Love your enemies and

pray for those who persecute you, (NIV 1984)

2. Leviticus 19:18, “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge

against one of your people, but love your neighbor as

yourself. I am the LORD.’” (NIV 1984)

B. Proverbs advises leaving judgment to God and respecting our

enemies. (Bland)

1. Proverbs 17:13, If a man pays back evil for good, evil

will never leave his house. (NIV 1984)

2. Proverbs 20:22, Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this

wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.

(NIV 1984)

3. Proverbs 24:29, Do not say, “I’ll do to him as he has

done to me; I’ll pay that man back for what he did.” (NIV

1984)

4. Proverbs 25:21-22, If your enemy is hungry, give him

food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In

doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and

the LORD will reward you. (NIV 1984)

5. Exodus 23:4-5, “If you come across your enemy’s ox or

donkey wandering off, be sure to take it back to him. If

you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down

under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help him

with it. (NIV 1984)

II. when he stumbles (is overthrown), do not let your heart rejoice,…



33

A. Do not sin by rejoicing over the adversities of your enemies.

(See Smith.)

B. This is a reference to personal enemies rather than national

enemies. (The Pulpit Commentary)





2. Psalm 58:10, The righteous will be glad when they are

avenged, when they bathe their feet in the blood of the

wicked. (NIV 1984)

3. Exodus 15:1-21, Then Moses and the Israelites sang

this song to the LORD: “I will sing to the LORD, for he is

highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into

the sea. The LORD is my strength and my song; he has

become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise

him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. The LORD is

a warrior; the LORD is his name. Pharaoh’s chariots and

his army he has hurled into the sea. The best of Pharaoh’s

officers are drowned in the Red Sea. The deep waters

have covered them; they sank to the depths like a stone.

“Your right hand, O LORD, was majestic in power. Your

right hand, O LORD, shattered the enemy. In the

greatness of your majesty you threw down those who

opposed you. You unleashed your burning anger; it

consumed them like stubble. By the blast of your nostrils

the waters piled up. The surging waters stood firm like a

wall; the deep waters congealed in the heart of the sea.

“The enemy boasted, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake them.

I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will

draw my sword and my hand will destroy them.’ But you



34

blew with your breath, and the sea covered them. They

sank like lead in the mighty waters. “Who among the

gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you— majestic in

holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? You

stretched out your right hand and the earth swallowed

them. “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you

have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to

your holy dwelling. The nations will hear and tremble;

anguish will grip the people of Philistia. The chiefs of

Edom will be terrified, the leaders of Moab will be seized

with trembling, the people of Canaan will melt away;

terror and dread will fall upon them. By the power of

your arm they will be as still as a stone— until your

people pass by, O LORD, until the people you bought

pass by. You will bring them in and plant them on the

mountain of your inheritance— the place, O LORD, you

made for your dwelling, the sanctuary, O Lord, your

hands established. The LORD will reign for ever and

ever.” When Pharaoh’s horses, chariots and horsemen

went into the sea, the LORD brought the waters of the sea

back over them, but the Israelites walked through the sea

on dry ground. Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s

sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women

followed her, with tambourines and dancing. Miriam

sang to them: “Sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted.

The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea.” (NIV

1984)

4. Exodus 17:15, Moses built an altar and called it The

LORD is my Banner. (NIV 1984)

5. Judges 5:1-31, On that day Deborah and Barak son of

Abinoam sang this song: "When the princes in Israel take

the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves—

praise the LORD! “Hear this, you kings! Listen, you



35

rulers! I will sing to the LORD, I will sing; I will make

music to the LORD, the God of Israel. “O LORD, when

you went out from Seir, when you marched from the land

of Edom, the earth shook, the heavens poured, the clouds

poured down water. The mountains quaked before the

LORD, the One of Sinai, before the LORD, the God of

Israel. “In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, in the days

of Jael, the roads were abandoned; travelers took to

winding paths. Village life in Israel ceased, ceased until I,

Deborah, arose, arose a mother in Israel. When they

chose new gods, war came to the city gates, and not a

shield or spear was seen among forty thousand in Israel.

My heart is with Israel’s princes, with the willing

volunteers among the people. Praise the LORD! “You

who ride on white donkeys, sitting on your saddle

blankets, and you who walk along the road, consider the

voice of the singers at the watering places. They recite the

righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous acts of his

warriors in Israel. “Then the people of the LORD went

down to the city gates. ‘Wake up, wake up, Deborah!

Wake up, wake up, break out in song! Arise, O Barak!

Take captive your captives, O son of Abinoam.’ “Then

the men who were left came down to the nobles; the

people of the LORD came to me with the mighty. Some

came from Ephraim, whose roots were in Amalek;

Benjamin was with the people who followed you. From

Makir captains came down, from Zebulun those who

bear a commander’s staff. The princes of Issachar were

with Deborah; yes, Issachar was with Barak, rushing

after him into the valley. In the districts of Reuben there

was much searching of heart. Why did you stay among

the campfires to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the

districts of Reuben there was much searching of heart.

Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan. And Dan, why did he

linger by the ships? Asher remained on the coast and



36

stayed in his coves. The people of Zebulun risked their

very lives; so did Naphtali on the heights of the field.

“Kings came, they fought; the kings of Canaan fought at

Taanach by the waters of Megiddo, but they carried off

no silver, no plunder. From the heavens the stars fought,

from their courses they fought against Sisera. The river

Kishon swept them away, the age-old river, the river

Kishon. March on, my soul; be strong! Then thundered

the horses’ hoofs— galloping, galloping go his mighty

steeds. ‘Curse Meroz,’ said the angel of the LORD.

‘Curse its people bitterly, because they did not come to

help the LORD, to help the LORD against the mighty.’

“Most blessed of women be Jael, the wife of Heber the

Kenite, most blessed of tent-dwelling women. He asked

for water, and she gave him milk; in a bowl fit for nobles

she brought him curdled milk. Her hand reached for the

tent peg, her right hand for the workman’s hammer. She

struck Sisera, she crushed his head, she shattered and

pierced his temple. At her feet he sank, he fell; there he

lay. At her feet he sank, he fell; where he sank, there he

fell—dead. “Through the window peered Sisera’s mother;

behind the lattice she cried out, ‘Why is his chariot so

long in coming? Why is the clatter of his chariots

delayed?’ The wisest of her ladies answer her; indeed, she

keeps saying to herself, ‘Are they not finding and dividing

the spoils: a girl or two for each man, colorful garments

as plunder for Sisera, colorful garments embroidered,

highly embroidered garments for my neck— all this as

plunder?’ “So may all your enemies perish, O LORD!

But may they who love you be like the sun when it rises in

its strength.” Then the land had peace forty years. (NIV

1984)

Proverbs 24:18, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his

wrath away from him. (NIV 1984)



37

I. or the Lord will see and disapprove…

A. God will punish the unrepentant person who gloats over the

misfortune of his enemy.

II. and turn his wrath away from him.

A. If you are glad when your enemy falls on hard times, the Lord

will not approve of your attitude and will bless your enemy

because of your gloating over your enemy’s troubles. (See

McGee.)

B. Coffman wrote, “The implication of the passage is that God

might be more concerned with punishing his disobedient follower

than punishing the outright wicked.” (International Critical

Commentary)

C. Those who rejoice in the calamities that fall on others deserve

punishment themselves. (Clarke)

1. Proverbs 17:5, He who mocks the poor shows contempt

for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go

unpunished. (NIV 1984)

Note: A warning against envying the prosperity of the wicked. (The

Pulpit Commentary)

Proverbs 24:19, Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of the

wicked, (NIV 1984)

I. Do not fret (be enraged) because of evil men or be envious of the

wicked,…



38

A. Don’t become upset or envious because of temporary successes

of the evil person. (See Smith.)

1. Do not seek to be like the wicked.

B. “Envy of the prosperous wicked” is addressed elsewhere as

well.




cut off. (NIV 1984)

2. Proverbs 24:1-2, Do not envy wicked men, do not desire

their company; for their hearts plot violence, and their

lips talk about making trouble. (NIV 1984)

3. Psalm 37:1, Of David. Do not fret because of evil men

or be envious of those who do wrong; (NIV 1984)

C. This is essentially the same though as presented in Proverbs

24:1, Do not envy wicked men, do not desire their company;

(NIV 1984)

1. McGee wrote that God obviously wants us to learn this

lesson well!

Proverbs 24:20, for the evil man has no future hope, and the lamp of

the wicked will be snuffed out. (NIV 1984)

I. for the evil man has no future hope,…

A. The wicked man is enjoying all the good he will ever have for

the evil man has no further hope of blessings in this or in the life to

come. (See Smith.)



39

1. “There will be no future state of blessedness for the

wicked,” Clarke wrote.

2. The wicked will continue to exist after death, but they will

certainly not be happy. (Clarke)

B. 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,”

Coffman wrote.

1. Matthew 25:1-46, “At that time the kingdom of heaven

will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out

to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and

five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did

not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in

jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long

time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell

asleep. “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the

bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ “Then all the

virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish

ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps

are going out.’ “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be

enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell

oil and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were on

their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The

virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding

banquet. And the door was shut. “Later the others also

came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’ “But

he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day

or the hour. “Again, it will be like a man going on a

journey, who called his servants and entrusted his

property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to



40

another two talents, and to another one talent, each

according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The

man who had received the five talents went at once and

put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the

one with the two talents gained two more. But the man

who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the

ground and hid his master’s money. “After a long time

the master of those servants returned and settled

accounts with them. The man who had received the five

talents brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you

entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five

more.’ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful

servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will

put you in charge of many things. Come and share your

master’s happiness!’ “The man with the two talents also

came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two

talents; see, I have gained two more.’ “His master replied,

‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been

faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of

many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

“Then the man who had received the one talent came.

‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man,

harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where

you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out

and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what

belongs to you.’ “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy

servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not

sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well

then, you should have put my money on deposit with the

bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it

back with interest. “‘Take the talent from him and give it

to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has

will be given more, and he will have an abundance.

Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken

from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into



41

the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing

of teeth.’ “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and

all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in

heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before

him, and he will separate the people one from another as

a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will

put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. “Then

the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who

are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the

kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I

was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a

stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you

clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in

prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will

answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed

you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When

did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing

clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in

prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘I tell

you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of

these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ “Then he will say

to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed,

into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was

thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a

stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes

and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and

you did not look after me.’ “They also will answer, ‘Lord,

when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or

needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help

you?’ “He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you

did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for

me.’ “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but

the righteous to eternal life.” (NIV 1984)



42

2. There is, therefore no point in envying the wicked who are

hell bound!

3. In a wicked world, we Christians can expect injustices and

inequities but these will not be tolerated in the world to

come.

a. Proverbs 3:32, for the LORD detests a perverse

man but takes the upright into his confidence. (NIV

1984)

b. Proverbs 13:9, The light of the righteous shines

brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.

(NIV 1984)

C. Fear God. Don’t envy sinners.




cut off. (NIV 1984)

II. and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.

A. “The end of the wicked will come suddenly,” Smith wrote.

B. “The prosperity of the wicked is only temporary,” Coffman

wrote.

C. The evil will be left without posterity.

Note: Verses 21-22 are an injunction urging loyalty to God and the king.

(The Pulpit Commentary)



43

Proverbs 24:21, Fear the LORD and the king, my son, and do not

join with the rebellious, (NIV 1984)

I. Fear the Lord and the king, my son,…

A. Wisdom will cultivate respect for authority, both spiritual and

civil. (See Smith).

B. Kings are clearly subordinate, as all are, to God.

1. Proverbs 21:1, The king’s heart is in the hand of the

LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he

pleases. (NIV 1984)

2. Proverbs 16:1-15, To man belong the plans of the heart,

but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue. All a

man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are

weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever

you do, and your plans will succeed. The LORD works

out everything for his own ends— even the wicked for a

day of disaster. The LORD detests all the proud of heart.

Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. Through

love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of

the LORD a man avoids evil. When a man’s ways are

pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at

peace with him. Better a little with righteousness than

much gain with injustice. In his heart a man plans his

course, but the LORD determines his steps. The lips of a

king speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray

justice. Honest scales and balances are from the LORD;

all the weights in the bag are of his making. Kings detest

wrongdoing, for a throne is established through

righteousness. Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they

value a man who speaks the truth. A king’s wrath is a

messenger of death, but a wise man will appease it. When



44

a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a

rain cloud in spring. (NIV 1984)

3. 1 Peter 2:17, Show proper respect to everyone: Love

the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

(NIV 1984)

4. Ecclesiastes 8:2, Obey the king’s command, I say,

because you took an oath before God. (NIV 1984)

5. Ecclesiastes 10:20, Do not revile the king even in your

thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a

bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the

wing may report what you say. (NIV 1984)

C. To God we extend divine honor, adoration, and service while

the king is due civil respect, civil honor, and political obedience,

Clarke wrote.

II. and do not join (meddle) with the rebellious,…

A. The wise will not join those who revolt against God’s laws or

the laws of established governmental authorities.

B. The church and the nation(s) always have those set on rebellion.

1. We are not to partake in their rebellious acts or attitudes.

2. Dissidents are everywhere and we are not to join their

ranks!

3. These people may be called revolutionists who despise all

authority. (The Pulpit Commentary)



45

Proverbs 24:22, for those two will send sudden destruction upon

them, and who knows what calamities they can bring? Further

Sayings of the Wise (NIV 1984)

I. for those two (God and the king) will send sudden destruction (ruin)

upon them (the rebellious),…

A. God and the king will destroy the rebellious!

B. The faithful will be spared.

1. Proverbs 29:27, The righteous detest the dishonest; the

wicked detest the upright. (NIV 1984)

II. and who knows what calamities they can bring?

A. The Lord can bring calamities upon the wicked beyond our

imagination and the king’s power to afflict his enemies is not to be

lightly regarded.


Note: Verses 23-25 speak to the partiality and impartiality in the form of

a hexastich. (The Pulpit Commentary)

Proverbs 24:23, These also are sayings of the wise: To show

partiality in judging is not good: (NIV 1984)

I. These also are sayings of the wise:…

A. This appears to be a new section which belongs to another

collection and which sayings were probably fragments of sayings

collected by wise men from the Proverbs of Solomon, Clarke

wrote.



46

B. This line is not a proverb, but the introduction to the next series

of proverbs.

C. The following proverbs are recognized by wise people as truths

to be observed.

1. Wise people live by and speak of these principles.

II. To show partiality in judging is not good:…

A. Wisdom shows no partiality in the administration of justice.

(Smith)

1. Leviticus 19:15, “‘Do not pervert justice; do not show

partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge

your neighbor fairly. (NIV 1984)

2. Deuteronomy 16:19, Do not pervert justice or show

partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the

eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent.

(NIV 1984)

3. The wise do not “play favorites.” (Bland)

4. Proverbs 28:21, To show partiality is not good— yet a

person will do wrong for a piece of bread. (NIV 1984)

5. Proverbs 18:5, It is not good to be partial to the

wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice. (NIV 1984)

6. Acts 10:34, Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize

how true it is that God does not show favoritism (NIV

1984)



47

B. Equal justice under law is a wonderful goal, but we are far from

universally achieving this level of fairness in jurisprudence .

1. To show partiality in judging is not good; that is, a every

evil and sinful thing.

a. Proverbs 20:23, The LORD detests differing

weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.

(NIV 1984)

b. 2 Samuel 15:1-6, In the course of time, Absalom

provided himself with a chariot and horses and with

fifty men to run ahead of him. He would get up early

and stand by the side of the road leading to the city

gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be

placed before the king for a decision, Absalom

would call out to him, “What town are you from?”

He would answer, “Your servant is from one of the

tribes of Israel.” Then Absalom would say to him,

“Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there

is no representative of the king to hear you.” And

Absalom would add, “If only I were appointed judge

in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or

case could come to me and I would see that they

receive justice.” Also, whenever anyone approached

him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach

out his hand, take hold of him and kiss

him. Absalom behaved in this way toward all the

Israelites who came to the king asking for justice,

and so he stole the hearts of the people of Israel.

(NIV 1984)

Proverbs 24:24, Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent”—

peoples will curse him and nations denounce him. (NIV 1984)



48

I. Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent (righteous)” —

A. Injustice, partiality, favoritism, failure to give careful attention

to all evidence are huge wrongs!

B. Calling the guilty innocent is evil!

1. There is altogether too much of this in today’s world.

2. Judgment and justice should never be perverted! (Clarke)

3. Judges who pervert justice are a great danger to society.

II. peoples will curse him and nations denounce (abhor) him.

A. Those who participate in the miscarriage of justice will be

universally cursed and denounced.

B. “Courtroom injustice is a universal crime. All peoples and

nations will denounce such activities,” Bland rightly wrote.

1. Proverbs 17:15, Acquitting the guilty and condemning

the innocent— the LORD detests them both. (NIV 1984)

Proverbs 24:25, But it will go well with those who convict the guilty,

and rich blessing will come upon them. (NIV 1984)

I. But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, …

A. Those who honestly administer justice will be universally

respected and honored.

B. “… all mankind honors sound and righteous judgment; and the

blessing of God attends it,” Coffman wrote.



49

II. and rich blessing will come upon them (those who impartially

administer justice).

A. “But they that convict them (the guilty) shall appear more

excellent, and upon them shall come blessings,” is the reading of

the Spetuagint via The Pulpit Commentary.

Proverbs 24:26, An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. (NIV

1984)

I. An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

A. “Godly wisdom engages in straightforward and honest speech,”

Smith wrote.

B. Straightforward and honest speech, like a kiss on the lips, is a

token of friendship, (See Smith.) affection and respect. (Clarke)

C. Bland wrote, “The phrase is some type of idiom that expresses

affection or love.”

D. Coffman explained, “This speaks of the appreciation that falls

upon a witness who testifies honestly before a tribunal.”

E. “An answer that is fair and suitable to the circumstances is as

pleasant and assuring to the hearer as a kiss of the lips. Such a

salutation would be a natural sign of sympathy and affection.”

(The Pulpit Commentary)

Proverbs 24:27, Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready;

after that, build your house. (NIV 1984)

I. Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; …



50

A. When contemplating marriage, ample preparation should be

made.

1. “A suitor had, as it were, to purchase his bride from her

relations by making considerable presents; it was therefore

necessary to provide a certain amount of wealth before

contemplating matrimony.” (The Pulpit Commentary)

B. The farmer (and everyone else for that matter) is urged to do his

work in an orderly way.

1. “Priorities are to be established and things are to be done

in their proper order,” Bland wrote.

a. Make careful plans and follow them. (Clarke)

2. Establishing priorities for our lives, long term and short

term, is vitally important.

C. Coffman wrote, “Counting the cost and preparing the materials

are preliminary prerequisites for the accomplishments of any

enterprise.”

1. Luke 14:28-33, “Suppose one of you wants to build a

tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to

see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you

lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone

who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to

build and wasn’t able to finish.’ “Or suppose a king is

about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit

down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand

men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty

thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while

the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of



51

peace. In the same way, those of you who do not give up

everything you have cannot be my disciples. (NIV 1984)

II. after that, build your house.

A. There is a time for everything good, a time to prepare and a

time to marry and rear a family.

1. Proverbs 24:3-4, By wisdom a house is built, and

through understanding it is established; through

knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful

treasures. (NIV 1984)

B. Smith well wrote, “Economic viability has much more to do

with a successful marriage than romantic passion.”

Proverbs 24:28, Do not testify against your neighbor without cause,

or use your lips to deceive. (NIV 1984)

I. Do not testify against your neighbor without cause (for spite), …

A. Don’t say bad things about your neighbor without a pressing

reason and never as a busybody, gossip or a slanderer. (See Smith.)

1. Be sure any court testimony is absolutely true and the

impartial recitation of facts free of all deceit or semblance of

putting a spin on your testimony. (See Smith.)

a. Proverbs 3:30, Do not accuse anyone for no

reason when they have done you no harm. (NIV

1984)

b. Proverbs 23:29, Who has woe? Who has

sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who



52

has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? (NIV

1984)

c. Proverbs 26:2, Like a fluttering sparrow or a

darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come

to rest. (NIV 1984)

2. Give careful study to your testimony so the truth only will

be spoken.

a. Don’t misspeak even by mistake!

b. “Be not a false witness against thy fellow-citizen.”

(LXX via The Pulpit Commentary)

II. or use your lips to deceive.

A. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, don’t deceive!

1. Proverbs 21:28, Whoever pursues righteousness and

love finds life, prosperity and honor. One who is wise can

go up against the city of the mighty and pull down the

stronghold in which they trust Those who guard their

mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity

The proud and arrogant person—“Mocker” is his

name— behaves with insolent fury. The craving of a

sluggard will be the death of him, because his hands

refuse to work. All day long he craves for more, but the

righteous give without sparing. The sacrifice of the

wicked is detestable— how much more so when brought

with evil intent! A false witness will perish, but a careful

listener will testify successfully. (NIV 1984)

2. Psalm 78:36, But then they would flatter him with their

mouths, lying to him with their tongues; (NIV 1984)



53

B. The Pulpit Commentary states, “The deceit is not so much

intentional falsehood as misrepresentation arising from haste and

inconsiderateness consequent on this unnecessary eagerness to

push forward testimony unsought.”

Proverbs 24:29, Do not say, “I’ll do to him as he has done to me; I’ll

pay that man back for what he did.” (NIV 1984)

I. Do not say, “I’ll do to him as he has done to me; I’ll pay that man

back for what he did.”

A. Giving false testimony against an enemy would certainly be one

way to “pay him back,” but this must not be done. (Smith)

1. Deuteronomy 19:15-21, One witness is not enough to

convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may

have committed. A matter must be established by the

testimony of two or three witnesses. If a malicious witness

takes the stand to accuse someone of a crime, the two

people involved in the dispute must stand in the presence

of the LORD before the priests and the judges who are in

office at the time. The judges must make a thorough

investigation, and if the witness proves to be a liar, giving

false testimony against a fellow Israelite, then do to the

false witness as that witness intended to do to the other

party. You must purge the evil from among you. The rest

of the people will hear of this and be afraid, and never

again will such an evil thing be done among you. Show no

pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for

hand, foot for foot. (NIV 1984)

B. Vengeance belongs to God alone!



54





2. Romans 12:19, Do not take revenge, my dear friends,

but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is

mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. (NIV 1984)

3. Proverbs 20:22, Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this

wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.

(NIV 1984)

C. Vengeful action is not to be taken against a neighbor for some

alleged grievance.

1. Most certainly, don’t testify against a neighbor or others

with a spirit of revenge. (Clarke)

D. Even though a person may have done you injury by testifying

against you, do not retaliate in the same way. (See The Pulpit

Commentary)

Note: Verses 30-31 are a maskil/mashal ode concerning the sluggard.

Proverbs 24:30, I went past the field of the sluggard, past the

vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; (NIV 1984)

I. I went past the field of the sluggard (slothful), …

A. Laziness is frequently addressed in Proverbs as a very

undesirable trait. (See Coffman.)

1. Proverbs 23:29-35, Who has woe? Who has

sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has



55

needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who

linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed

wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles

in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites

like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see

strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing

things. You will be like one sleeping on the high

seas, lying on top of the rigging. “They hit me,” you will

say, “but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it!

When will I wake up so I can find another drink?” (NIV

1984)

2. Proverbs 10:26, As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to

the eyes, so are sluggards to those who send them. (NIV

1984)

3. Proverbs 12:11, 24, 27, Those who work their land will

have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have

no sense. Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in

forced labor. The lazy do not roast any game, but the

diligent feed on the riches of the hunt. (NIV 1984)

4. Proverbs 13:4, A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but

the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. (NIV 1984)

5. Proverbs 14:4, 23, Where there are no oxen, the

manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come

abundant harvests. All hard work brings a profit, but

mere talk leads only to poverty. (NIV 1984)

6. Proverbs 15:19, The way of the sluggard is blocked

with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.

(NIV 1984)



56

7. Proverbs 16:26, The appetite of laborers works for

them; their hunger drives them on. (NIV 1984)

8. Proverbs 18:9, One who is slack in his work is brother

to one who destroys. (NIV 1984)

9. Proverbs 19:15, 24, Laziness brings on deep sleep, and

the shiftless go hungry. A sluggard buries his hand in the

dish; he will not even bring it back to his mouth! (NIV

1984)

10. Proverbs 29:4, 13, By justice a king gives a country

stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it

down. The poor and the oppressor have this in

common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both. (NIV

1984)

11. Proverbs 21:25, The craving of a sluggard will be the

death of him, because his hands refuse to work. (NIV

1984)

12. Proverbs 22:13, The sluggard says, “There’s a lion

outside! I’ll be killed in the public square!” (NIV 1984)

B. Contrasted with the fields of the wise farmer in verse 27 is the

field of lazy farmer described here.

II. past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; …

A. The lazy sluggard and the person who lacks judgment are, in

this verse, one and the same.

B. Hard work is essential for farming of all kinds.

1. Poverty awaits those who do not understand this fact.



57

Proverbs 24:31, thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was

covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. (NIV 1984)

I. thorns had come up everywhere, …

A. By neglect, thorns, thistles and weeds become the only crop

produced.

1. Isaiah 34:13, Thorns will overrun her citadels, nettles

and brambles her strongholds. She will become a haunt

for jackals, a home for owls. (NIV 1984)

B. By looking at a person’s property, an observer can form an

opinion of the owner’s character.

II. the ground was covered with weeds (nettles), …

A. Job 30:7, They brayed among the bushes and huddled in the

undergrowth.

III. and the stone wall was in ruins.

A. Even the fence that protected the farm is now in ruins.

Proverbs 24:32, I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a

lesson from what I saw: (NIV 1984)

I. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I

saw: …

A. The wise observer learned from what he had seen. If we are

wise, we also will learn from what we see and experience.



58

1. Proverbs 22:17, Pay attention and turn your ear to the

sayings of the wise; apply your heart to what I teach, (NIV

1984)

2. Proverbs 8:10, Choose my instruction instead of

silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, (NIV 1984)

Proverbs 24:33, A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the

hands to rest— (NIV 1984)

I. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—

A. Proverbs 6:9-11, How long will you lie there, you

sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep,

a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and

poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed

man. (NIV 1984)

1. This was a well-known ancient proverb.

B. This (verses 33-34) passage is the lesson learned by the

observations of the wise person.

Proverbs 24:34, and poverty will come on you like a bandit and

scarcity like an armed man. (NIV 1984)

I. and poverty will come on you like a bandit…

A. Poverty! The clear result of laziness and neglect.

B. Regardless of other positive traits a person may have, if he is

lazy, he has a fatal flaw!

II. and scarcity like an armed man.



59

A. This leaves the sluggard a vagrant, with necessities in scarce

supply, a beggar. (See Bland.)

Conclusion:

I. Bland wrote, “With this instruction story, the instruction literature,

found in Proverbs 22:17-24:34 closes. The next section of the collection

moves back to the more familiar sentence literature.”

II. Among other things, Proverbs 24 teaches that:

A. Sin and foolishness are associated.

B. The day of adversity will definitely come. Those with wisdom

and faith will be victorious in the time of trial.

C. God requires that we do our best to deliver those in need or

danger and that no excuses be offered for either neglect of or

failure to discharge this duty.

D. Good men fall, but they get up again and again. The evil person

falls, but does not recover, get up.

E. Evil men are not to be envied. We are not to render evil for evil

to those who have wronged us.

F. Ruin and destruction await the lazy sluggard!



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Questions

on

Proverbs 24:1-34

(Questions based on NIV text.)

1. How have you been affected by wicked and foolish people?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

2. How have you influenced wicked and foolish people?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

3. Define the following expressions:

Caesura:___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Distich:____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



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__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Hemistich:_________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

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__________________________________________________________

Hexastich:_________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

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__________________________________________________________

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Mashal/Maschil Ode: ________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

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__________________________________________________________

Tetrastich:_________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

4. Why would anyone want to envy wicked men?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



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5. Why should righteous people not associate with wicked people?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

6. What do wicked men think about and talk about?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

7. Contrast the house build by wise men with the house built by the

wicked. ___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

8. How does a wise man increase his strength?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

9. What happened at the city gates in Old Testament times?

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__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

10. Is this statement true of false: “Once a fool, always a fool?” Give

reasons for your answer. ______________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

11. What qualifies a person to be known as a schemer?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

12. _______________ are “an _______________ to man” because they

___________ ____________ and _______________ .

13. ________________ in _______________ of _______________ is

the _______________ of a _______________ . ______________ tests

the _____________ of one’s ____________ .

14. Name some of God’s greatest servants who faltered during crises.

Give details about the crisis each faced. __________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



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__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

15. What is our responsibility to those in danger or need? Give a detailed

answer. ___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

16. ___________________ can expect to _____________________ and

_____________________ and must be ______________________ in all

__________________ even unto ________________ .

17. _______________ have a ______________ to _______________ a

_________________ _________________ ______________ placed in

_____________ .

18. Is ignorance an excuse for our failures? Why or why not?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

19. _______________ cannot be _______________ ! ______________

will _______________ to ____________________ according to his

__________________ . _______________ is ________________ and

________________ ________________ in the ________________ and

________________ of his ______________ and _______________ our

____________ and _______________.

20. _______________ is _______________ and ______________ to the

_________________ as ________________ is _______________ and



65

_______________ to the ______________ . _________________ is to

the _____________ what _______________ is to the _____________.

21. What does the Bible say about honey and the honeycomb?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

22. How important is it to eat only wholesome, healthy food?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

23. For what should a good person seek? What benefits accrue to those

who find these things? ______________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

24. Only by way of _____________________ can a ________________

have an ______________ _______________ .

25. Why should no one plan to harm a righteous man and his house?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



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26. What happens when calamity strikes a wicked person?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

27. Why should the righteous not gloat/rejoice when their personal

enemies fall? Give as many reasons as possible. ___________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

28. What does the Old Testament say about rejoicing over the fall of

national enemies? ___________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

29. What could cause a righteous person to fret because of evil men?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

30. The ______________ __________________ of the ___________ -

_______________ _______________ is that ________________ cannot

________________, that there will come a time when ______________

in _______________ _______________ will ______________ up and



67

____________ ______________ ____________ of his _____________.

(Coffman) There is therefore. No ______________ in ___________ the

_____________ who are ____________ !

31. In a ____________ ______________ , we ______________ can

expect ________________ and ______________ , but there will not be

_______________ in the ____________ to _____________.

32. What is the lamp of the wicked? When will it be “snuffed out?”

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

33. Contrast a society which respects both God and constitutional

governmental authority with a society that respects neither God nor

governmental authority. ______________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

34. Are there ever occasions in which righteous people should rebel? If

so, what are these occasions? __________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

35. What will happen to the rebellious? __________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



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__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

36. How serious is the sin of showing partially in court? How does this

sin affect society and confidence in the justice system? ______________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

37. Tell of cases of partiality/injustice of which you know or have heard.

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

38. Calling the _____________ ______________ or the _____________

_________________ is _______________. Those who participate in the

________________ of _________________ will be ________________

_________________ and _________________, but those who

_______________ ___________________ ________________ will be

______________ and _______________.

39. How is an honest answer like a kiss on the lips? ________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

40. _________________ are to be established and things are to be done

in their _______________ _______________ . (Bland) _____________



69

for our _______________ , _________________ and _______________

__________________ , is __________________ _______________ .

41. Don’t _____________ ____________ your ____________ without

_____________ (for ____________ ). Don’t say _____________ things

about your ______________ without a ____________ , _____________

or a _______________ . Whether _____________ or ______________ ,

don’t ____________.

42. ______________ ______________ is not to be taken against a

_____________ for some ____________ ___________ . ___________

belongs to ___________ ____________ !

43. What does the Bible say about the lazy, slothful sluggard?

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

44. What happens to the sluggard’s business? _____________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

45. What lesson(s) did the wise learn from the sluggard? ____________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________



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46. A ___________ ____________ , a ___________ __________ , a

___________ ____________ of the ______________ to ____________

- and _______________ will come on you like a _____________ and

___________ like an ______________ .

47. _____________ and _____________ are _____________ . The day

of ______________ will definitely come. Those with ______________

and ________________ will be ______________ in the time of

______________ .

48. ________________ ________________ that we do our best to

________________ those in need or _________________ and that no

____________ be offered for our ______________ of or ____________

to ______________ this ________________ .

49. ___________ men ____________ , but they get up __________ and

____________ . The ___________ _____________ ___________ , but

no ____________ , _____________ , ____________ .

50. ____________ ____________ are not to be ____________ . We are

not to _____________ _____________ for _____________ to those

who have _______________ _____________ . ________________ and

_____________ await the ________________ _______________ !

1biblestudyworkshop.com/download/old/proverbs/proverbs 24.pdf · 2011-12-17 · 9. the schemes of...

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