Proverbs 17:7-17

7 Words well-set together beseem not a fool; and a lying lip becometh not a prince. (Words put together well become not a fool; and lies become not a leader.)

8 A precious stone most acceptable is the abiding of him that seeketh; whither ever he turneth himself, he understandeth prudently. (A gift, or a bribe, is like a most acceptable precious stone in the eyes of him who receiveth it; wherever it goeth, it bringeth prosperity to he who giveth it.)

9 He that covereth trespass, seeketh friendships; he that rehearseth by an high word (but he who remembereth a wrong), separateth them that (should) be knit together in peace.

10 A blaming profiteth more at a prudent man, than an hundred wounds at a fool. (A rebuke more profiteth a prudent man, than an hundred wounds to a fool.)

11 Ever an evil man seeketh strives; forsooth a cruel angel shall be sent against him. (An evil person forevermore seeketh out strife, or arguments; but a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.)

12 It speedeth more to meet a female bear, when her whelps be ravished, than a fool trusting to himself in his folly. (It is better to meet a female bear after she hath been robbed of her whelps, than a fool trusting himself in his own foolishness.)

13 Evil shall not go away from the house of him, that yieldeth evils for goods (who giveth evil for good).

14 He that letteth (out) water, is the head of strives, (or of arguments); and before that he suffereth wrong, he forsaketh doom (he deserteth judgement).

15 Both he that justifieth a wicked man, and he that condemneth a just man, ever either is abominable to God. (Both he who justifieth a wicked person, and he who condemneth a righteous person, be abominable to God.)

16 What profiteth it to a fool to have riches, since he may not buy wisdom? (since he cannot buy wisdom?) He that maketh his house high, seeketh falling; and he that escheweth to learn, shall fall into evils.

17 He that is a friend, loveth in all time; and a brother is proved in anguishes.

Proverbs 17:7-17 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.