Proverbs 17:2

2 A servant who deals wisely will rule over 1a son who acts shamefully and 2will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.

Proverbs 17:2 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 17:2

A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame,
&c.] That does wicked and shameful actions: that is slothful, and will not attend to instruction or business; that is prodigal, wasteful, and luxurious, and causes shame to his parents, who blush at his conduct. Now a servant that behaves well and wisely in a family is observed and respected by his master, and he puts his wicked and extravagant son under him, makes him a tutor to him, and sets him to watch over him, and obliges his son to obey his orders. Jarchi illustrates this in Nebuchadnezzar ruling over the children of Israel; and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren;
be appointed by his master's will to a share in his estate among his children, for his faithful service to him in life, and to encourage him to take care of his family, his children, and his affairs, after his death; or through gifts in his lifetime shall have what is equal to what his sons have; or growing rich shall purchase a part of theirs, as Gussetius {y}: or "shall part the inheritance among the brethren" F26; being a wise man, his master shall leave him executor of his will, to divide his substance among his children, and see that everyone have their proper portion and equal share; but it rather is to be understood of his being a co-heir with them. So the Gentiles, through the will of the Lord, become fellow heirs of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ with the Jews, and share in the same inheritance with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and their children; nay, when the children of the kingdom shall be shut out; see ( Ephesians 3:6 ) ( Matthew 8:11 Matthew 8:12 ) . Jarchi gives an ancient exposition of it thus,

``a proselyte of righteousness is better than a wicked native; and in time to come he shall divide the spoil and the inheritance in the midst of the children of Israel, at it is said in ( Ezekiel 47:23 ) ;''

FOOTNOTES:

F25 Ebr. Comment. p. 263.
F26 (qlxy) "dividet", Mercerus, Gejerus, Michaelis; so Syriac version and the Targum; "partitur", Junius & Tremellius; "partieur", Piscator.

Proverbs 17:2 In-Context

1 Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.
2 A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.
3 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the LORD tests hearts.
4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
5 Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

Cross References 2

  • 1. ver. 21, 25; Proverbs 10:5; Proverbs 19:26
  • 2. [2 Samuel 16:4]
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