Proverbs 17

1 It is better to eat a dry crust of bread in peace and quiet than to eat a big dinner in a house that is full of fighting.

2 A wise servant will rule over a shameful child. He will be given part of the property as if he were a family member.

3 Fire tests silver. Heat tests gold. But the LORD tests our hearts.

4 An evil person listens to evil words. A liar pays attention to words that are harmful.

5 Anyone who laughs at those who are poor makes fun of their Maker. Anyone who is happy when others suffer will be punished.

6 Grandchildren are like a crown to older people. And children are proud of their parents.

7 It isn't proper for foolish people to brag. And it certainly isn't proper for rulers to tell lies!

8 Money buys favors for those who give it. No matter where they turn, they succeed.

9 Those who erase a sin by forgiving it show love. But those who talk about it come between close friends.

10 A person who understands what is right learns more from just a warning than a foolish person learns from 100 strokes with a whip.

11 An evil person never wants to obey. An official who shows no mercy will be sent against him.

12 It is better to meet a bear whose cubs have been stolen than to meet a foolish person who is acting foolishly.

13 Evil will never leave the house of anyone who pays back evil for good.

14 Starting to argue is like making a crack in a dam. So drop the matter before a fight breaks out.

15 The LORD hates two things. He hates it when the guilty are set free. He also hates it when those who aren't guilty are punished.

16 What good is money in the hands of a foolish person? He doesn't want to become wise.

17 A friend loves at all times. He is there to help when trouble comes.

18 A man who has little sense agrees to pay what other people owe. It isn't wise to put up money for others.

19 The one who loves to argue loves to sin. The one who builds a high gate is just asking to be destroyed.

20 If your heart is twisted, you won't succeed. If your tongue tells lies, you will get into trouble.

21 It is sad to have a foolish child. The parents of a foolish person have no joy.

22 A cheerful heart makes you healthy. But a broken spirit dries you up.

23 Anyone who does wrong accepts favors in secret. Then he turns what is right into wrong.

24 Anyone who understands what is right keeps wisdom in view. But the eyes of a foolish person look everywhere else.

25 A foolish child makes his father sad and his mother sorry.

26 It isn't good to punish those who aren't guilty. It isn't good to whip officials just because they are honest.

27 Anyone who has knowledge controls his words. A man who has understanding is not easily upset.

28 We think even a foolish person is wise if he keeps silent. We think he understands what is right if he controls his tongue.

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.

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.