Proverbs 17

1 A meal of bread and water in contented peace is better than a banquet spiced with quarrels.

2 A wise servant takes charge of an unruly child and is honored as one of the family.

3 As silver in a crucible and gold in a pan, so our lives are assayed by God.

4 Evil people relish malicious conversation; the ears of liars itch for dirty gossip.

5 Whoever mocks poor people, insults their Creator; gloating over misfortune is a punishable crime.

6 Old people are distinguished by grandchildren; children take pride in their parents.

7 We don't expect eloquence from fools, nor do we expect lies from our leaders.

8 Receiving a gift is like getting a rare gemstone; any way you look at it, you see beauty refracted.

9 Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and - good-bye, friend!

10 A quiet rebuke to a person of good sense does more than a whack on the head of a fool.

11 Criminals out looking for nothing but trouble won't have to wait long - they'll meet it coming and going!

12 Better to meet a grizzly robbed of her cubs than a fool hellbent on folly.

13 Those who return evil for good will meet their own evil returning.

14 The start of a quarrel is like a leak in a dam, so stop it before it bursts.

15 Whitewashing bad people and throwing mud on good people are equally abhorrent to God.

16 What's this? Fools out shopping for wisdom! They wouldn't recognize it if they saw it! One Who Knows Much Says Little

17 Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.

18 It's stupid to try to get something for nothing, or run up huge bills you can never pay.

19 The person who courts sin, marries trouble; build a wall, invite a burglar.

20 A bad motive can't achieve a good end; double-talk brings you double trouble.

21 Having a fool for a child is misery; it's no fun being the parent of a dolt.

22 A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.

23 The wicked take bribes under the table; they show nothing but contempt for justice.

24 The perceptive find wisdom in their own front yard; fools look for it everywhere but right here.

25 A surly, stupid child is sheer pain to a father, a bitter pill for a mother to swallow.

26 It's wrong to penalize good behavior, or make good citizens pay for the crimes of others.

27 The one who knows much says little; an understanding person remains calm.

28 Even dunces who keep quiet are thought to be wise; as long as they keep their mouths shut, they're smart.

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.