Proverbs 17:8-18

8 ¹A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers.

9 Whoever ²covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter ³separates close friends.

10 A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool.

11 An evil man seeks only rebellion, and ⁴a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

12 Let a man meet ⁵a she-bear robbed of her cubs ⁶rather than a fool in his folly.

13 If anyone ⁷returns evil for good, ⁸evil will not depart from his house.

14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so ⁹quit before the quarrel breaks out.

15 He who ¹⁰justifies the wicked and he who ¹¹condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the LORD.

16 Why should a fool have money in his hand ¹²to buy wisdom when he has no sense?

17 ¹³A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

18 One who lacks sense gives a pledge and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.

Proverbs 17:8-18 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. ver. 23; Proverbs 18:16; Proverbs 19:6; Proverbs 21:14; [Exodus 23:8; Isaiah 1:23; Amos 5:12]
• 2. Proverbs 10:12
• 3. Proverbs 16:28
• 4. [1 Kings 2:29]
• 5. 2 Samuel 17:8; Hosea 13:8
• 6. [Proverbs 27:3]
• 7. Psalms 35:12; Psalms 109:4, 5; [Proverbs 20:22; Matthew 5:39]
• 8. [2 Samuel 12:10]
• 9. Proverbs 20:3; Proverbs 25:8
• 10. Proverbs 24:24; Exodus 23:7; Isaiah 5:23
• 11. Job 34:17; Psalms 94:21; [ver. 26; Proverbs 18:5]
• 12. [Proverbs 23:23]
• 13. Proverbs 18:24; Proverbs 27:10; [Ruth 1:16; Job 6:14]