ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Proverbs 24

Prov. 24:1–2 The young man’s friends can be the greatest threat to his moral life (see 23:17).

Prov. 24:3–4 The images of wisdom’s benefits (a house . . . built, established, and filled) include material provision in addition to a blessed family life. These are received by wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, which stem from the fear of the Lord. One’s priority should always be pursuing wisdom rather than riches.

Prov. 24:5–6 Wisdom is the source of true strength. Strength and might apart from wisdom will be ineffective. Wise guidance obtained from an abundance of counselors is the key to victory in any circumstance.

Prov. 24:7 Other proverbs indicate that the fool can never stop talking (e.g., 10:19; 13:3). The point here is that he is at a loss when a situation calls for serious thought.

Prov. 24:11–12 The one who embraces wisdom can never be content with merely seeking the well-being of himself or his family; he will seek justice as widely as he can.

Prov. 24:13–14 Just as honey is sweet to the taste and good for the body, so wisdom is pleasant to the soul that feeds on it (see v. 20; see note on 23:17–18).

Prov. 24:15–16 This warns against joining the wicked in injustice. Acting this way forms a person’s character in a way that will be unhelpful in calamity.

Prov. 24:17–18 Do not rejoice reflects the heart of God, who has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (see note on Ezek. 33:11).

Prov. 24:19–20 See Ps. 37:1.

Prov. 24:21–22 Both God and the Davidic king appear in Proverbs as agents of wrath (see 14:35; 16:10–15; 19:12; 20:2). The young man should respect authority, both human and divine.

Prov. 24:23–34 Further Sayings of “the Wise.” (See note on 22:17–24:22.) These sayings are grouped in a parallel fashion, as follows:

A: justice in court (vv. 23–26)

     B: economy lesson for the home (v. 27)

A': justice in court (vv. 28–29)

     B': economy lesson for the home (vv. 30–34)

Prov. 24:26 The Hebrew phrase translated kisses the lips means that an honest answer treats the other person with both respect and affection. Note the appeals to honest speech in the surrounding text (vv. 23–25, 28–29).

Prov. 24:30–34 These verses illustrate how proverbs are applied. Upon walking by a field and vineyard that has fallen into ruin through laziness (vv. 30–31), the observer rightly recognizes (v. 32) that the wise instruction he has heard about the sluggard applies to this situation (vv. 33–34 are identical to 6:10–11). Both the observer and the reader are encouraged to believe that ongoing labor is a part of the path of wisdom.