Proverbs 17:14-24

14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water; so stop before the quarrel breaks out.

15 One who justifies the wicked and one who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord.

16 Why should fools have a price in hand to buy wisdom, when they have no mind to learn?

17 A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity.

18 It is senseless to give a pledge, to become surety for a neighbor.

19 One who loves transgression loves strife; one who builds a high threshold invites broken bones.

20 The crooked of mind do not prosper, and the perverse of tongue fall into calamity.

21 The one who begets a fool gets trouble; the parent of a fool has no joy.

22 A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.

23 The wicked accept a concealed bribe to pervert the ways of justice.

24 The discerning person looks to wisdom, but the eyes of a fool to the ends of the earth.

Proverbs 17:14-24 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.