Matthew Henry Commentary Proverbs 24
Matthew Henry Commentary
Proverbs 24
Matthew Henry Commentary
Proverbs 24
"Be not thou envious against evil men; Neither desire to be with them: For their heart studieth oppression, And their lips talk of mischief." — Proverbs 24:1-2 (ASV)
Do not envy sinners. And do not let a desire ever come into your mind, 'Oh, if only I could shake off restraints!'
"Through wisdom is a house builded; And by understanding it is established; And by knowledge are the chambers filled With all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is strong; Yea, a man of knowledge increaseth might For by wise guidance thou shalt make thy war; And in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." — Proverbs 24:3-6 (ASV)
Piety and prudence in outward affairs both go together to complete a wise person. By knowledge, the soul is filled with the graces and comforts of the Spirit, those precious and pleasant riches. The human spirit is strengthened for spiritual work and spiritual warfare, by true wisdom.
"Wisdom is too high for a fool: He openeth not his mouth in the gate. He that deviseth to do evil, Men shall call him a mischief-maker. The thought of foolishness is sin; And the scoffer is an abomination to men." — Proverbs 24:7-9 (ASV)
A weak man thinks wisdom is too high for him, therefore he will make no effort for it. It is bad to do evil, but worse to devise it. Even the first stirrings of sin in the heart are sin, and must be repented of. Those who strive to make others hateful, make themselves so.
"If thou faint in the day of adversity, Thy strength is small." — Proverbs 24:10 (ASV)
Under troubles we are apt to despair of relief. But be of good courage, and God shall strengthen your heart.
"Deliver them that are carried away unto death, And those that are ready to be slain see that thou hold back. If thou sayest, Behold, we knew not this; Doth not he that weigheth the hearts consider it? And he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? And shall not he render to every man according to his work?" — Proverbs 24:11-12 (ASV)
If a man knows that his neighbor is in danger from any unjust proceeding, he is bound to do all in his power to deliver him. And what is it to allow immortal souls to perish, when our persuasions and example may be the means of preventing it?
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