◄ Proverbs 24:24 ►
Whoever tells the guilty, "You are innocent"--peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him;
Study Bible
Whoever tells the guilty
This phrase addresses the act of declaring someone who is guilty as innocent. In Hebrew, the word for "guilty" is "רָשָׁע" (rasha), which refers to someone who is wicked or morally wrong. The act of telling the guilty they are innocent is a perversion of justice, which is a recurring theme in the Bible. The scriptures consistently emphasize the importance of justice and righteousness, as seen in passages like Isaiah 5:20, which warns against calling evil good and good evil. This phrase serves as a reminder of the moral responsibility to uphold truth and justice.

'You are innocent'
The declaration of innocence to the guilty is a direct contradiction to the biblical principle of justice. The Hebrew word for "innocent" is "נָקִי" (naki), meaning clean or free from guilt. This phrase highlights the danger of false acquittal, which undermines the moral fabric of society. In a biblical context, God is portrayed as a just judge who cannot be swayed by false testimony or bribes (Deuteronomy 10:17). This underscores the importance of integrity and truthfulness in judgment.

peoples will curse him
The term "peoples" refers to groups or communities, indicating a collective response to injustice. The Hebrew word "עַמִּים" (amim) is often used to describe nations or ethnic groups. The act of cursing, "קָלַל" (qalal), implies a strong disapproval or calling down of misfortune. This reflects the societal expectation for justice and the natural human response to injustice. The community's reaction serves as a deterrent against corrupt practices and emphasizes the communal responsibility to uphold righteousness.

and nations will denounce him
The word "nations" expands the scope of the response to a broader, international level. The Hebrew "גּוֹיִם" (goyim) often refers to non-Israelite nations, suggesting that the principles of justice are universally recognized. The act of denouncing, "זָעַם" (za'am), conveys a sense of indignation and condemnation. This phrase illustrates the universal disdain for injustice and the expectation that leaders and judges act with integrity. It serves as a warning that unjust actions have far-reaching consequences, affecting one's reputation and standing among nations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Guilty
Refers to individuals who have committed wrongdoing or sin. In the context of this proverb, it highlights those who are clearly guilty of an offense.

2. The Innocent
While not directly mentioned, the concept of innocence is implied as the opposite of guilt. The proverb warns against declaring the guilty as innocent.

3. Peoples and Nations
These terms represent the broader community or society that reacts negatively to injustice. They symbolize the collective moral conscience that denounces false judgments.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Justice
Upholding justice is a biblical mandate. Declaring the guilty as innocent undermines the moral fabric of society and goes against God's standards.

Consequences of Injustice
The proverb warns that societal and national repercussions follow when justice is perverted. This serves as a reminder of the broader impact of our actions.

Moral Integrity
Christians are called to maintain integrity by standing for truth and justice, even when it is unpopular or difficult.

Discernment in Judgment
Believers must seek wisdom and discernment from God to judge rightly and avoid the pitfalls of false declarations.

Accountability to God
Ultimately, God is the righteous judge, and we are accountable to Him for our judgments and actions.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Proverbs 24:24 challenge us to think about justice in our own communities?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not declaring the guilty innocent in our personal and professional lives?

3. How do the reactions of "peoples" and "nations" in this proverb reflect the broader consequences of injustice?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to cultivate discernment and integrity in our judgments?

5. How do the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament reinforce the principles found in Proverbs 24:24?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 23:7
This verse warns against acquitting the guilty and emphasizes the importance of justice, aligning with the theme of Proverbs 24:24.

Isaiah 5:20
This passage speaks against calling evil good and good evil, which parallels the warning in Proverbs 24:24 about declaring the guilty innocent.

James 2:9
This New Testament verse discusses the sin of showing favoritism, which can relate to unjustly declaring the guilty innocent due to bias.
Sermons
The Ignobler and the Nobler SpiritE. Johnson Proverbs 24:17, 18, 29
Partiality and Equality in JudgmentE. Johnson Proverbs 24:23-25
Social ConductHomilistProverbs 24:23-26
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Abhor, Abhorred, Curse, Cursed, Denounce, Evil-doer, Execrate, Guilty, Hated, Him-, Innocent, Nations, Peoples, Righteous, Saying, Says, Upright, Wicked
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 24:23-24

     5349   injustice, examples
     8278   innocence, teaching on

Proverbs 24:23-25

     5203   acquittal
     5361   justice, human
     6173   guilt, and God
     8471   respect, for human beings

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 Scripture

The 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

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