Falling and Rising

Chapter 24 continues the words of the wise. Don't be envious of evil men, neither desire to be with them. Through wisdom a house is built; by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all rare and beautiful treasure. A wise man has great power. Wisdom is pictured as a builder who creates something that lasts.

The righteous are not people who never fall. For a righteous man falls seven times and rises up again, but the wicked are overthrown by calamity. The chapter also forbids revenge and gloating: Don't rejoice when your enemy falls. Don't say, I will do to him as he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work. An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

The chapter ends with a lesson learned by observation. I went by the field of the sluggard. Behold, it was all grown over with thorns. Then I saw, and considered well. I saw, and received instruction: a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep, so your poverty will come as a robber. Small habits of laziness add up. In the New Testament, Paul writes, Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).