Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, near the dwelling of the righteous; do not destroy his resting place. Do not lie in waitThis phrase is a direct admonition against premeditated harm. The Hebrew root for "lie in wait" is "אָרַב" (arab), which conveys the idea of lurking or ambushing with malicious intent. Historically, ambushes were a common tactic in ancient warfare and personal vendettas, reflecting a calculated and deceitful approach to harm. The wisdom literature of Proverbs often contrasts the ways of the wicked with the righteous, urging a life of integrity and peace rather than deceit and violence. O wicked man
The term "wicked" in Hebrew is "רָשָׁע" (rasha), which denotes someone who is morally wrong, guilty, or hostile to God. In the context of Proverbs, the "wicked man" is often portrayed as one who opposes God's ways and seeks to harm others for personal gain. This serves as a warning to those who choose a path contrary to divine wisdom, emphasizing the ultimate futility and self-destructive nature of wickedness. near the dwelling of the righteous
The "dwelling" refers to the home or habitation, a place of safety and peace. The Hebrew word "מִשְׁכָּן" (mishkan) can also imply a sanctuary or sacred space. The "righteous" (צַדִּיק, tzaddik) are those who live in accordance with God's laws and principles. This phrase highlights the sanctity and protection that surrounds the righteous, suggesting that their homes are under divine watch. It also implies that the wicked's schemes are ultimately powerless against those who are under God's care. do not destroy
The Hebrew root "שָׁדַד" (shadad) means to devastate or ruin. This command underscores the destructive nature of wickedness and the moral imperative to preserve rather than destroy. In the biblical context, destruction is often associated with divine judgment, and this warning serves as a reminder of the consequences of such actions. his resting place
The "resting place" (מְנוּחָה, menuchah) signifies a place of repose, peace, and security. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, a resting place was not just a physical location but also a symbol of spiritual and emotional tranquility. For the righteous, their resting place is a reflection of their relationship with God, a sanctuary from the chaos of the world. This phrase reassures believers that God provides peace and protection, even amidst threats from the wicked. Persons / Places / Events 1. Wicked ManRepresents those who plot evil or harm against others, particularly against the righteous. 2. Dwelling of the RighteousSymbolizes the home or life of a person who lives according to God's ways and principles. 3. RighteousIndividuals who strive to live in accordance with God's laws and maintain a moral and ethical lifestyle. 4. Resting PlaceA metaphor for the peace and security that the righteous find in their relationship with God. 5. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom and understanding. Teaching Points Protection of the RighteousGod is the ultimate protector of those who live righteously. Believers can trust in His protection against the schemes of the wicked. Avoiding Evil SchemesChristians are called to avoid plotting harm against others, recognizing that such actions are contrary to God's will. Trust in God's JusticeEven when faced with adversity, believers should trust that God will bring justice in His timing. Peace in Righteous LivingLiving a righteous life brings peace and security, as it aligns with God's design and promises. Resilience in FaithThe righteous may face challenges, but their foundation in God provides resilience and hope. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of the "dwelling of the righteous" in Proverbs 24:15 relate to the idea of spiritual security in your life? 2. In what ways can you ensure that you are not unknowingly participating in actions that could harm others, as warned against in this verse? 3. How do the promises of protection and justice for the righteous in other scriptures reinforce the message of Proverbs 24:15? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's protection in a challenging situation. How did this experience strengthen your faith? 5. How can you apply the principle of trusting in God's justice in your daily interactions and conflicts with others? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 37This Psalm contrasts the fate of the wicked and the righteous, emphasizing that the wicked will not prevail over the righteous. Matthew 5:10-12Jesus speaks about the blessedness of those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, promising them the kingdom of heaven. Romans 12:19Paul advises believers not to take revenge but to leave room for God's wrath, reinforcing the idea that God will protect and vindicate the righteous. 1 Peter 3:12Peter assures that the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their prayers, providing comfort and assurance of divine protection. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Destroy, Destruction, Dwelling, Evil-doer, Fields, Habitation, Home, Lay, Lie, Man's, O, Outlaw, Raid, Resting, Resting-place, Righteous, Secret, Spoil, Upright, Violence, Wait, Waste, Watch, WickedDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 24:15 5977 waiting Proverbs 24:14-16 9612 hope, in God Library The Sluggard's Garden
'I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; 31. And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.'--PROVERBS xxiv. 30, 31. This picture of the sluggard's garden seems to be intended as a parable. No doubt its direct simple meaning is full of homely wisdom in full accord with the whole tone of the Book of Proverbs; but we shall scarcely do justice to this saying of the wise …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Broken Fence
A sermon (No. 3381) published on Thursday, November 20th 1913. Delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and to, 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."--Proverbs 24:30-32. This slothful man did no hurt to his fellow-men: …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs The Sluggard's Farm
A sermon (No. 2027) intended for reading on Lord's Day, June 3rd 1888, delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "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."--Proverbs 24:30-32. No doubt Solomon was sometimes glad …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs Epistle xxxvi. To Maximus, Bishop of Salona .
To Maximus, Bishop of Salona [113] . Gregory to Maximus, &c. When our common son the presbyter Veteranus came to the Roman city, he found me so weak from the pains of gout as to be quite unable to answer thy Fraternity's letters myself. And indeed with regard to the nation of the Sclaves [114] , from which you are in great danger, I am exceedingly afflicted and disturbed. I am afflicted as suffering already in your suffering: I am disturbed, because they have already begun to enter Italy by way …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Portrait of a Drunkyard
'Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30. They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34. Yea, thou shalt be as …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture 2 Cor. Iii. 5
Not that we are sufficient of our selves, to think any thing as of our selves: but our Sufficiency is of God. IN my former Discourse upon these Words, I shewed you that it was the sole Design of St. Paul in them, to declare, that, in the setting about, and executing, the difficult and laborious Work of an Apostle, He did not arrogate to himself the Power, and Ability, and Success, which he had: but that he ascribed his Sufficiency for this great Work, as well as his being designed to it, to God himself, …
Benjamin Hoadly—Several Discourses Concerning the Terms of Acceptance with God How to Make Use of Christ for Taking the Guilt of Our Daily Out-Breakings Away.
The next part of our sanctification is in reference to our daily failings and transgressions, committed partly through the violence of temptations, as we see in David and Peter, and other eminent men of God; partly through daily infirmities, because of our weakness and imperfections; for, "in many things we offend all," James iii. 2; and, "if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us," 1 John i. 8; "a righteous man falleth seven times," Prov. xxiv. 16; "there is not …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life The Justice of God
The next attribute is God's justice. All God's attributes are identical, and are the same with his essence. Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but one essence. A cedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar. So there are several attributes of God whereby we conceive of him, but only one entire essence. Well, then, concerning God's justice. Deut 32:4. Just and right is he.' Job 37:23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Necessity of Actual Grace
In treating of the necessity of actual grace we must avoid two extremes. The first is that mere nature is absolutely incapable of doing any thing good. This error was held by the early Protestants and the followers of Baius and Jansenius. The second is that nature is able to perform supernatural acts by its own power. This was taught by the Pelagians and Semipelagians. Between these two extremes Catholic theology keeps the golden mean. It defends the capacity of human nature against Protestants and …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the Practice of Piety.
Those hindrances are chiefly seven:-- I. An ignorant mistaking of the true meaning of certain places of the holy Scriptures, and some other chief grounds of Christian religion. The Scriptures mistaken are these: 1. Ezek. xxxiii. 14, 16, "At what time soever a sinner repenteth him of his sin, I will blot out all," &c. Hence the carnal Christian gathers, that he may repent when he will. It is true, whensoever a sinner does repent, God will forgive; but the text saith not, that a sinner may repent whensoever …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men.
Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning A Treatise on Good Works
I. We ought first to know that there are no good works except those which God has commanded, even as there is no sin except that which God has forbidden. Therefore whoever wishes to know and to do good works needs nothing else than to know God's commandments. Thus Christ says, Matthew xix, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." And when the young man asks Him, Matthew xix, what he shall do that he may inherit eternal life, Christ sets before him naught else but the Ten Commandments. …
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 24:15 NIVProverbs 24:15 NLTProverbs 24:15 ESVProverbs 24:15 NASBProverbs 24:15 KJV
Proverbs 24:15 Commentaries
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