What does it mean that it is not good to have respect of persons in judgment?

This line is saying that when decisions are made, especially in court or any place of judgment, you should not favor someone just because of who they are. A judge should not bend the rules for the rich, the powerful, friends, or family. Each case should be decided by what is right, not by who is involved. Calling a wicked person “righteous” just because you like them or fear them brings trouble. God cares that justice is fair, and people also grow to hate corrupt judgment.

Why are those who rebuke the wicked said to receive delight and blessing?

The passage explains that when someone bravely speaks the truth to a wicked person and refuses to call evil good, this brings delight and blessing. It may be hard in the moment, but in the long run people respect honest judgment. God also approves when wrong is named as wrong. Such rebukes protect others from harm and help keep a community safe. So the blessing comes both from God’s favor and from the gratitude of people who value truth and justice.

What does it mean that every man shall kiss the lips that gives a right answer?

This is a picture way of saying that people deeply value honest, fitting words. A “right answer” is a true, wise, and timely reply, especially in matters of judgment or advice. To “kiss the lips” means to show affection and respect. So the verse is teaching that when someone speaks truth clearly and fairly, others will gladly receive it. Honest speech may be plain, but in the end it is sweet and welcome, more than flattery or lies that only please for a moment.

How should we understand prepare your work in the field and afterwards build your house?

This verse teaches wise order in life. The field represents the work that brings your living, like your job or main duties. The house points to comfort, expansion, or extra projects. The saying means, first make sure your basic work is set up and steady, then turn to building up your comfort or enlarging your life. Do not rush into big plans or showy things before you have a solid way to provide. Godly wisdom puts necessary work before luxury and plans carefully, not carelessly.

Why are we told not to be a witness against a neighbour without cause?

The passage warns against speaking against someone when there is no just reason. To be a witness without cause can mean bringing accusations that are false, twisted, or not needed. This breaks trust and can harm an innocent person. God’s law cares deeply about truth in testimony. Your lips should not deceive or be used to settle grudges. Even if you feel wronged, you must not twist your words in court or in daily talk. Justice requires honest facts, not stories shaped by anger or envy.

What does the passage teach about saying I will do to him as he has done to me?

Here we are told not to answer wrong with more wrong. The natural urge is to say, “He hurt me, so I will hurt him back the same way.” But this way of thinking belongs to the wicked, not to the wise. God wants His people to refuse personal revenge. Payback only spreads harm and hardens the heart. Instead, we are to trust God with judgment and keep our own hands clean. The verse pushes us away from revenge and toward patience, mercy, and leaving justice to God’s timing.

What is the lesson from the field of the slothful and the broken wall?

The wise man tells of walking past a lazy man’s field and vineyard. Thorns and nettles covered it and the stone wall was broken. Nothing had been cared for. He did not just shake his head and move on, but thought about it and learned from it. The picture teaches that when we neglect our work and duties, ruin grows quietly, like weeds. A broken wall lets in animals and thieves. In the same way, laziness opens the door to trouble in our homes, work, and even in our hearts.

How do a little sleep and a little slumber lead to poverty and want?

The repeated phrase “a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands” shows how small acts of laziness, repeated over time, bring big results. It is not just one nap, but a way of life that keeps putting off work. Bit by bit, tasks are left undone, fields are not tended, and opportunities pass by. Then poverty comes like a traveler, sudden and sure, and need like an armed man that cannot be resisted. The warning is that steady neglect, even in small amounts, leads to real loss.

How can these verses about justice, speech, and laziness apply to daily life today?

These sayings still fit daily life. In any role where you make decisions, you are called to be fair and not show favoritism. In your words, you are urged to tell the truth, give straight answers, and refuse gossip or false witness. When wronged, you are warned not to chase revenge but to leave payback to God. In your work, you are told to plan wisely, handle your main duties before comforts, and avoid lazy habits. Taken together, they paint a picture of a life that is honest, steady, and faithful.

Prov.24.23

Proverbs 24:23

KJV

These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

Further Sayings of the Wise

These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.

He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:

But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.

Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house.

Be not a witness against thy neighbour without cause; and deceive not with thy lips.

Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work.

I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;

And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.

Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.