Proverbs 17

14. letteth . . . water--as a breach in a dam.
before . . . meddled with--before strife has become sharp, or, by an explanation better suiting the figure, before it rolls on, or increases.

15. abomination . . . Lord--as reversing His method of acting ( Proverbs 3:32 , 12:2 ).

16. Though wealth cannot buy wisdom for those who do not love it, yet wisdom procures wealth ( Proverbs 3:16 , 14:24 ).

17. To the second of these parallel clauses, there is an accession of meaning, that is, that a brother's love is specially seen in adversity.

18. (Compare Proverbs 6:1-5 , 11:15 ).
in the presence, &c.--that is, he either fails to consult his friend, or to follow his advice.

19. strife--contention is, and leads to, sin.
he that exalteth his gate--gratifies a vain love of costly building.
seeketh--or, "findeth," as if he sought (compare "loveth death," Proverbs 8:36 ).

20. The second clause advances on the first. The ill-natured fail of good, and the cavilling and fault-finding incur evil.

21. (Compare Proverbs 23:24 ). Different words are rendered by "fool," both denoting stupidity and impiety.

22. (Compare Proverbs 14:30 , 15:13 ). The effect of the mind on the body is well known.
medicine--or, "body," which better corresponds with "bone."
drieth--as if the marrow were exhausted.

23. a gift . . . bosom--Money and other valuables were borne in a fold of the garment, called the bosom.
to pervert--that is, by bribery.

24. Wisdom . . . him--ever an object of regard, while a fool's affections are unsettled.

25. a grief--or cross, vexation (compare Proverbs 17:21 , Proverbs 10:1 ).

26. Also--that is, Equally to be avoided are other sins: punishing good subjects, or resisting good rulers.

27, 28. Prudence of speech is commended as is an excellent or calm spirit, not excited to vain conversation.