Proverbs 17

1 Better is a morsel with pleasure in peace, than a house of many good things and unjust sacrifices, with strife.

2 A wise servant shall have rule over foolish masters, and shall divide portions among brethren.

3 As silver and gold are tried in a furnace, so are choice hearts with the Lord.

4 A bad man hearkens to the tongue of transgressors: but a righteous man attends not to false lips.

5 He that laughs at the poor provokes him that made him; and he that rejoices at the destruction of another shall not be held guiltless: but he that has compassion shall find mercy.

6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and their fathers are the glory of children. The faithful has the whole world full of wealth; but the faithless not even a farthing.

7 Faithful lips will not suit a fool; nor lying lips a just man.

8 Instruction is to them that use it a gracious reward; and whithersoever it may turn, it shall prosper.

9 He that conceals injuries seeks love; but he that hates to hide separates friends and kindred.

10 A threat breaks down the heart of a wise man; but a fool, though scourged, understands not.

11 Every bad man stirs up strifes: but the Lord will send out against him an unmerciful messenger.

12 Care may befall a man of understanding; but fools will meditate evils.

13 Whoso rewards evil for good, evil shall not be removed from his house.

14 Rightful rule gives power to words; but sedition and strife precede poverty.

15 He that pronounces the unjust just, and the just unjust, is unclean and abominable with God.

16 Why has the fool wealth? for a senseless man will not be able to purchase wisdom. He that exalts his own house seeks ruin; and he that turns aside from instruction shall fall into mischief.

17 Have thou a friend for every time, and let brethren be useful in distress; for on this account are they born.

18 A foolish man applauds and rejoices over himself, also that becomes surety would make himself responsible for his own friends.

19 A lover of sin rejoices in strifes;

20 and the hard-hearted man comes not in for good. A man of a changeful tongue will fall into mischiefs;

21 and the heart of a fool is grief to its possessor. A father rejoices not over an uninstructed son; but a wise son gladdens his mother.

22 A glad heart promotes health; but the bones of a sorrowful man dry up.

23 The ways of a man who unjustly receives gifts in bosom do not prosper; and an ungodly man perverts the ways of righteousness.

24 The countenance of a wise man is sensible; but the eyes of a fool to the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son anger to his father, and grief to her that bore him.

26 not right to punish a righteous man, nor holy to plot against righteous princes.

27 He that forbears to utter a hard word is discreet, and a patient man is wise.

28 Wisdom shall be imputed to a fool who asks after wisdom: and he who holds his peace shall seem to be sensible.

Proverbs 17 Commentary

Chapter 17

Verse 1 These words recommend family love and peace, as needful for the comfort of human life. Verse 2 . The wise servant is more deserving, and more likely to appear one of the family, than a profligate son. Verse 3 . God tries the heart by affliction. He thus has often shown the sin remaining in the heart of the believer. Verse 4 . Flatterers, especially false teachers, are welcome to those that live in sin. Verse 5 . Those that laugh at poverty, treat God's providence and precepts with contempt. Verse 6 . It is an honour to children to have wise and godly parents continued to them, even after they are grown up and settled in the world. Verse 7 . A fool, in Solomon's Proverbs, signifies a wicked man, whom excellent speech does not become, because his conversation contradicts it. Verse 8 . Those who set their hearts upon money, will do any thing for it. What influence should the gifts of God have on our hearts! Verse 9 . The way to preserve peace is to make the best of every thing; not to notice what has been said or done against ourselves. Verse 10 . A gentle reproof will enter, not only into the head, but into the heart of a wise man. Verse 11 . Satan, and the messengers of Satan, shall be let loose upon an evil man. Verse 12 . Let us watch over our own passions, and avoid the company of furious men. Verse 13 . To render evil for good is devilish. He that does so, brings a curse upon his family. Verse 14 . What danger there is in the beginning of strife! Resist its earliest display; and leave it off, if it were possible, before you begin. Verse 15 . It is an offence to God to acquit the guilty, or to condemn those who are not guilty. Verse 16 . Man's neglect of God's favour and his own interest is very absurd. Verse 17 . No change of outward circumstances should abate our affection for our friends or relatives. But no friend, except Christ, deserves unlimited confidence. In Him this text did receive, and still receives its most glorious fulfilment. Verse 18 . Let not any wrong their families. Yet Christ's becoming Surety for men, was a glorious display of Divine wisdom; for he was able to discharge the bond. Verse 19 . If we would keep a clear conscience and a quiet mind, we must shun all excitements to anger. And a man who affects a style of living above his means, goes the way to ruin. Verse 20 . There is nothing got by ill designs. And many have paid dear for an unbridled tongue. Verse 21 . This speaks very plainly what many wise and good men feel very strongly, how grievous it is to have a foolish, wicked child. Verse 22 . It is great mercy that God gives us leave to be cheerful, and cause to be cheerful, if by his grace he gives us hearts to be cheerful. Verse 23 . The wicked are ready to part with their money, though loved, that they may not suffer for their crimes. Verse 24 . The prudent man keeps the word of God continually in view. But the foolish man cannot fix his thoughts, nor pursue any purpose with steadiness. Verse 25 . Wicked children despise the authority of their father, and the tenderness of their mother. Verse 26 . It is very wrong to find fault ( proverbs 17:27-28 ) wise man, by the good temper of his mind, and by the good government of his tongue. He is careful when he does speak, to speak to the purpose. God knows his heart, and the folly that is bound there; therefore he cannot be deceived in his judgment as men may be.

Footnotes

• [a]. Comp. Heb.
• [b]. Or, meets not with good men.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 7

This chapter gives an account of some buildings of Solomon for himself, 1Ki 7:1-12; and of other things for the use of the temple; of two pillars of brass, 1Ki 7:13-22; of the molten sea, 1Ki 7:23-26; and of ten bases, and ten layers on them, 1Ki 7:27-39; with other utensils and ornaments, 1Ki 7:40-51.