Proverbs 17

1 Better is a dry morsel in peace than the house of contention full of sacrifices for a feast.

2 A prudent slave shall have rule over a son that causes shame and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.

3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tries the hearts.

4 An evil doer gives heed to false lips, and a liar gives ear to the tongue which curses.

5 Whosoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker, and he that is glad regarding the calamity of someone else shall not go unpunished.

6 Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the honour of the children are their fathers.

7 Excellent speech is not suitable for a fool: much less lying lips for a prince!

8 A bribe is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that has it; wherever it turns, it prospers.

9 He that covers a transgression seeks love, but he that repeats a matter separates very friends.

10 Reproof is of more benefit to a wise man than a hundred stripes to a fool.

11 The rebellious man seeks only evil; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

12 It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.

13 Whosoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

14 To release the waters (to speak rashly) is the beginning of contention; therefore, leave off strife before it gets started.

15 He that justifies the wicked and he that condemns the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.

16 Of what good is the price to buy wisdom in the hand of the fool, seeing he has no heart to understand?

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

18 A man void of understanding strikes hands and becomes surety in the presence of his friend.

19 Transgression loves him that loves strife, and he that exalts his gate seeks destruction.

20 He that has a perverse heart shall never find good, and he that stirs up trouble with his tongue shall fall into evil.

21 He that begets a fool does it to his sorrow, and the father of a fool shall have no joy.

22 A joyful heart shall do good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.

23 A wicked man takes a gift in secret to pervert the paths of judgment.

24 Wisdom appears upon the countenance of him that has understanding, but the eyes of a fool manifest his folly unto the ends of the earth.

25 The foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her that bore him.

26 It is certainly not good to condemn the just, nor to smite princes for doing that which is upright.

27 He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

28 Even a fool, when he is silent is counted wise, and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

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.