Proverbs 17

1 Better a bite of dry bread [eaten] in peace than a family feast filled with strife.

2 A wise slave will become master over a son who acts shamefully, and he will share the inheritance with the brothers.

3 The crucible is for refining silver and the smelter for gold, but the one who purifies hearts [by fire] is the LORD.

4 An evildoer pays attention to wicked lips. A liar opens his ears to a slanderous tongue.

5 Whoever makes fun of a poor person insults his maker. Whoever is happy [to see someone's] distress will not escape punishment.

6 Grandchildren are the crown of grandparents, and parents are the glory of their children.

7 Refined speech is not fitting for a godless fool. How much less does lying fit a noble person!

8 A bribe seems [like] a jewel to the one who gives it. Wherever he turns, he prospers.

9 Whoever forgives an offense seeks love, but whoever keeps bringing up the issue separates the closest of friends.

10 A reprimand impresses a person who has understanding more than a hundred lashes impress a fool.

11 A rebel looks for nothing but evil. Therefore, a cruel messenger will be sent [to punish] him.

12 Better to meet a bear robbed of its cubs than a fool [carried away] with his stupidity.

13 Whoever pays back evil for good-- evil will never leave his home.

14 Starting a quarrel is [like] opening a floodgate, so stop before the argument gets out of control.

15 Whoever approves of wicked people and whoever condemns righteous people is disgusting to the LORD.

16 Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he doesn't have a mind to grasp anything?

17 A friend always loves, and a brother is born to share trouble.

18 A person without good sense closes a deal with a handshake. He guarantees a loan in the presence of his friend.

19 Whoever loves sin loves a quarrel. Whoever builds his city gate high invites destruction.

20 A twisted mind never finds happiness, and one with a devious tongue [repeatedly] gets into trouble.

21 The parent of a fool has grief, and the father of a godless fool has no joy.

22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but depression drains one's strength.

23 A wicked person secretly accepts a bribe to corrupt the ways of justice.

24 Wisdom is directly in front of an understanding person, but the eyes of a fool [are looking around] all over the world.

25 A foolish son is a heartache to his father and bitter grief to his mother.

26 To punish an innocent person is not good. To strike down noble people is not right.

27 Whoever has knowledge controls his words, and a person who has understanding is even-tempered.

28 Even a stubborn fool is thought to be wise if he keeps silent. He is considered intelligent if he keeps his lips sealed.

Proverbs 17 Commentary

Chapter 17

Verse 1 These words recommend family love and peace, as needful for the comfort of human life. Verse 2 . The wise servant is more deserving, and more likely to appear one of the family, than a profligate son. Verse 3 . God tries the heart by affliction. He thus has often shown the sin remaining in the heart of the believer. Verse 4 . Flatterers, especially false teachers, are welcome to those that live in sin. Verse 5 . Those that laugh at poverty, treat God's providence and precepts with contempt. Verse 6 . It is an honour to children to have wise and godly parents continued to them, even after they are grown up and settled in the world. Verse 7 . A fool, in Solomon's Proverbs, signifies a wicked man, whom excellent speech does not become, because his conversation contradicts it. Verse 8 . Those who set their hearts upon money, will do any thing for it. What influence should the gifts of God have on our hearts! Verse 9 . The way to preserve peace is to make the best of every thing; not to notice what has been said or done against ourselves. Verse 10 . A gentle reproof will enter, not only into the head, but into the heart of a wise man. Verse 11 . Satan, and the messengers of Satan, shall be let loose upon an evil man. Verse 12 . Let us watch over our own passions, and avoid the company of furious men. Verse 13 . To render evil for good is devilish. He that does so, brings a curse upon his family. Verse 14 . What danger there is in the beginning of strife! Resist its earliest display; and leave it off, if it were possible, before you begin. Verse 15 . It is an offence to God to acquit the guilty, or to condemn those who are not guilty. Verse 16 . Man's neglect of God's favour and his own interest is very absurd. Verse 17 . No change of outward circumstances should abate our affection for our friends or relatives. But no friend, except Christ, deserves unlimited confidence. In Him this text did receive, and still receives its most glorious fulfilment. Verse 18 . Let not any wrong their families. Yet Christ's becoming Surety for men, was a glorious display of Divine wisdom; for he was able to discharge the bond. Verse 19 . If we would keep a clear conscience and a quiet mind, we must shun all excitements to anger. And a man who affects a style of living above his means, goes the way to ruin. Verse 20 . There is nothing got by ill designs. And many have paid dear for an unbridled tongue. Verse 21 . This speaks very plainly what many wise and good men feel very strongly, how grievous it is to have a foolish, wicked child. Verse 22 . It is great mercy that God gives us leave to be cheerful, and cause to be cheerful, if by his grace he gives us hearts to be cheerful. Verse 23 . The wicked are ready to part with their money, though loved, that they may not suffer for their crimes. Verse 24 . The prudent man keeps the word of God continually in view. But the foolish man cannot fix his thoughts, nor pursue any purpose with steadiness. Verse 25 . Wicked children despise the authority of their father, and the tenderness of their mother. Verse 26 . It is very wrong to find fault ( proverbs 17:27-28 ) wise man, by the good temper of his mind, and by the good government of his tongue. He is careful when he does speak, to speak to the purpose. God knows his heart, and the folly that is bound there; therefore he cannot be deceived in his judgment as men may be.

Chapter Summary

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.