Proverbs 17:4-23

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.

Proverbs 17:4-23 Meaning and Commentary

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.