Proverbs 17:4-14

4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips; and a liar gives heed to a mischievous tongue.

5 He who mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

6 Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of sons is their fathers.

7 Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a prince.

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

9 He who forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter alienates a friend.

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 a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

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

13 If a man returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.

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