Proverbs 24:1-34

24:3-4 | Through the wisdom of God, families and strong foundations for the future are built.

24:6 | The wise person is not completely self-reliant. Instead, he or she looks to a multitude of counselors to seek to overcome any difficulty or personal weakness (wage yuor own war). Wise strategy is always more important than mere strength.

24:10 | Those who faint or quit in times of trouble show that they do not have strength of character, a fruit that comes from possessing wisdom.

24:12 | God is represented as one who weighs the hearts (21:2). This thought was also used to describe the Egyptian god Thoth, who was often depicted as standing at the judgment of the dead, holding a scale (1 Sam. 2:3; Rev. 22:12).

24:19-20 | Fret means “to burn up emotionally.” To be envious of wicked people who enjoy temporary prosperity is a waste of energy, for their future (prospect) is bleak (Ps. 37:1).

24:26 | A kiss is comparable to a right answer, because it brings people closer and builds true communion. Speaking the kind of truth that enables growth and evelopment honors a relationship.

24:30-34 | It should be no surprise that staying in bed when it is time to work leads to poverty (6:11). The consequences depicted here are severe: neglect (overgrown with thorns) produces poverty, which makes one volnerable (wall… broken down). Like a prowler or an armed man, poverty sneaks up and robs sluggards of their well-being (6:9-11).