Proverbs 17:2-12

2 A servant who acts wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully, And will share in the inheritance among brothers.
3 The 1refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But 2the LORD tests hearts.
4 An 3evildoer listens to wicked lips; A liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.
5 He who mocks the 4poor taunts his Maker; He who 5rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished.
6 6Grandchildren are the crown of old men, And the 7glory of sons is their fathers.
7 8Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, Much * less are 9lying lips to a prince.
8 A 10bribe is a charm * in the sight of its owner; Wherever * * he turns, he prospers.
9 He who 11conceals a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter 12separates intimate friends.
10 A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred blows into a fool.
11 A rebellious man seeks only evil, So a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
12 Let a 13man meet a 14bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly.

Proverbs 17:2-12 Meaning and Commentary

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.

Cross References 14

  • 1. Proverbs 27:21
  • 2. 1 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 26:2; Proverbs 15:11; Jeremiah 17:10; Malachi 3:3
  • 3. Proverbs 14:15
  • 4. Proverbs 14:31
  • 5. Job 31:29; Proverbs 24:17; Obadiah 12
  • 6. Genesis 48:11; Proverbs 13:22
  • 7. Exodus 20:12; Malachi 1:6
  • 8. Proverbs 24:7
  • 9. Psalms 31:18; Proverbs 12:22
  • 10. Proverbs 21:14; Isaiah 1:23; Amos 5:12
  • 11. Proverbs 10:12; James 5:20; 1 Peter 4:8
  • 12. Proverbs 16:28
  • 13. Proverbs 29:9
  • 14. 2 Samuel 17:8; Hosea 13:8

Footnotes 3

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