Proverbs 24:23-34

Proverbs 24:23-34

Having come to the end of “The 30 Sayings”, what follows are the additional sayings of the wise in which two themes are developed. Of all the things Solomon could have talked about. It is worth noting that these two themes are brought up. Without these two societal commitments, no culture will last for long. As our nation seems to be rushing headlong toward ruin, we would be wise to pay attention. These two themes are so closely related that Solomon intermixes them. The first is Justice; the second is hard work. 

At an official level, justice must be a priority (verses 23-26). Where once our legal system was held in very high regard by the citizenry at large, it is now often held with disdain. While there are numerous reasons for this change, we must not forget that personal behavior and character are critical for any sense of justice (vs. 28-29). 

The ethic of hard work is expressed in verses 27 and 30-34. The value of hard work and thrift is lost on a society in decay.  It is worth noting, as evidence of how these are related, that often protests against injustice turn into riots, and the riots become occasions for looting.

When the citizenry loses its respect for justice and for the value of hard work, the society is in a downward spiral toward collapse.

“Lord, grant us a justice system that is worthy of respect, and may we work as a people who respect You. AMEN”