Proverbs 17:9-19

9 He who ¹conceals a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter ²separates intimate friends.

10 A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred blows into a fool.

11 A rebellious man seeks only evil, So a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

12 Let a ³man meet a ⁴bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly.

13 He who ⁵returns evil for good, ⁶Evil will not depart from his house.

14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water, So ⁷abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.

15 He who ⁸justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous, Both * of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.

16 Why * is there a price in the hand of a fool to ⁹buy wisdom, When he has no sense?

17 A ¹⁰friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.

18 A man lacking in sense ¹¹pledges * And becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor.

19 He who ¹²loves transgression loves strife; He who ¹³raises his door seeks destruction.

Proverbs 17:9-19 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.

Cross References

• 1. Proverbs 10:12; James 5:20; 1 Peter 4:8
• 2. Proverbs 16:28
• 3. Proverbs 29:9
• 4. 2 Samuel 17:8; Hosea 13:8
• 5. Psalms 35:12; Psalms 109:5; Jeremiah 18:20
• 6. 2 Samuel 12:10; 1 Kings 21:22; Proverbs 13:21
• 7. Proverbs 20:3; Proverbs 25:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:11
• 8. Exodus 23:7; Proverbs 18:5; Proverbs 24:24; Isaiah 5:23
• 9. Proverbs 23:23
• 10. Ruth 1:16; Proverbs 18:24
• 11. Proverbs 6:1; Proverbs 11:15; Proverbs 22:26
• 12. Proverbs 29:22
• 13. Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 29:23

Footnotes

• [a] Lit "there is no heart"
• [b] Lit "heart"
• [c] Lit "shakes hands"