Proverbs 17:16-26

16 Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it?

17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

18 One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.

19 Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin; whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.

20 One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper; one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.

21 To have a fool for a child brings grief; there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool.

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

23 The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice.

24 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the mother who bore him.

26 If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good, surely to flog honest officials is not right.

Proverbs 17:16-26 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

• 1. Proverbs 23:23
• 2. S 2 Samuel 15:21; Proverbs 27:10
• 3. Proverbs 6:1-5; S Proverbs 11:15; Proverbs 22:26-27
• 4. S Proverbs 10:1
• 5. S Psalms 38:8
• 6. S Exodus 12:46; Psalms 22:15; Proverbs 14:30; S Proverbs 15:13; Proverbs 18:14
• 7. S Exodus 18:21; S Exodus 23:8; S 1 Samuel 8:3
• 8. S Job 34:33
• 9. S Job 31:1; Ecclesiastes 2:14
• 10. S Proverbs 10:1
• 11. S Psalms 94:21; Proverbs 18:5