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