Proverbs 17:14-24

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

15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the LORD.

16 Why should a fool have a price in his hand to buy wisdom, when he has no mind?

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

18 A man without sense gives a pledge, and becomes surety in the presence of his neighbor.

19 He who loves transgression loves strife; he who makes his door high seeks destruction.

20 A man of crooked mind does not prosper, and one with a perverse tongue falls into calamity.

21 A stupid son is a grief to a father; and the father of a fool has no joy.

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

23 A wicked man accepts a bribe from the bosom to pervert the ways of justice.

24 A man of understanding sets his face toward wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on 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.