Proverbs 17:14-24

14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the LORD detests them both.

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.

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.

Cross References

• 1. Matthew 5:25-26; Proverbs 20:3
• 2. S Psalms 94:21; S Proverbs 18:5
• 3. Exodus 23:6-7; Isaiah 5:23; Lamentations 3:34-36
• 4. Proverbs 23:23
• 5. S 2 Samuel 15:21; Proverbs 27:10
• 6. Proverbs 6:1-5; S Proverbs 11:15; Proverbs 22:26-27
• 7. S Proverbs 10:1
• 8. S Psalms 38:8
• 9. S Exodus 12:46; Psalms 22:15; Proverbs 14:30; S Proverbs 15:13; Proverbs 18:14
• 10. S Exodus 18:21; S Exodus 23:8; S 1 Samuel 8:3
• 11. S Job 34:33
• 12. S Job 31:1; Ecclesiastes 2:14