Proverbs 17:3-13

3 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the LORD tests the heart.

4 Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander.

5 Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.

6 Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.

7 Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool; even less are lies fitting for a ruler.

8 A bribe is like a lucky charm; whoever gives one will prosper!

9 Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.

10 A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.

11 Evil people are eager for rebellion, but they will be severely punished.

12 It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than to confront a fool caught in foolishness.

13 If you repay good with evil, evil will never leave your house.

Proverbs 17:3-13 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Hebrew fathers.