Proverbs 24:23-26

These things also belong to the wise.

Social conduct

I. Here is partiality of judgment; that is bad. “It is no good to have respect of persons in judgment.” The principle of impartiality is enjoined both in the Old and the New Testament. In the Old, “Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment; thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty; but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.” In the New Testament we have these words, “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons,” etc. (James 2:1).

II. Here is flattery of the wicked, which is execrable. “He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous, him shall the people curse; nations shall abhor him.” If the wicked man be great in wealth, exalted in social influence and political power, there is a wondrous tendency in all the grades below to flatter him as a “righteous man.”

III. Here is reproving of the wrong, which is blessed. “But to them that rebuke him shall be delight,” etc.

1. There is a delight in such work. “To them that rebuke him shall be delight.” What is the delight? The delight of an approving conscience.

2. There is Divine favour in such work. “A good blessing shall come upon you.” God will express His favour to such a man in many ways.

3. There is social approbation in such work. “Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth the right answer.” (Homilist.)