Proverbs 17:4-14

4 An evildoer pays attention to guilty lips; a liar listens to a destructive tongue.

5 Those who mock the poor insult their maker; those who rejoice in disaster won't go unpunished.

6 Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly, and the glory of children is their parents.

7 Too much talking isn't right for a fool; even less so false speech for an honorable person.

8 A bribe seems magical in the eyes of those who give it, granting success to all who use it.

9 One who seeks love conceals an offense, but one who repeats it divides friends.

10 A rebuke goes deeper to an understanding person than a hundred lashes to a fool.

11 Evil people seek only rebellion; a cruel messenger will be sent against them.

12 Safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than fools in their folly.

13 Evil will never depart from the house of those who return evil for good.

14 The start of a quarrel is like letting out water, so drop the dispute before it breaks out.

Proverbs 17:4-14 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.