Proverbs 17

1 It is better to eat a dry crust of bread in peace than to have a feast where there is quarreling.

2 A wise servant will rule over the master's disgraceful child and will even inherit a share of what the master leaves his children.

3 A hot furnace tests silver and gold, but the Lord tests hearts.

4 Evil people listen to evil words. Liars pay attention to cruel words.

5 Whoever mistreats the poor insults their Maker; whoever enjoys someone's trouble will be punished.

6 Old people are proud of their grandchildren, and children are proud of their parents.

7 Fools should not be proud, and rulers should not be liars.

8 Some people think they can pay others to do anything they ask. They think it will work every time.

9 Whoever forgives someone's sin makes a friend, but gossiping about the sin breaks up friendships.

10 A wise person will learn more from a warning than a fool will learn from a hundred lashings.

11 Disobedient people look only for trouble, so a cruel messenger will be sent against them.

12 It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than to meet a fool doing foolish things.

13 Whoever gives evil in return for good will always have trouble at home.

14 Starting a quarrel is like a leak in a dam, so stop it before a fight breaks out.

15 The Lord hates both of these things: freeing the guilty and punishing the innocent.

16 It won't do a fool any good to try to buy wisdom, because he doesn't have the ability to be wise.

17 A friend loves you all the time, and a brother helps in time of trouble.

18 It is not wise to promise to pay what your neighbor owes.

19 Whoever loves to argue loves to sin. Whoever brags a lot is asking for trouble.

20 A person with an evil heart will find no success, and the person whose words are evil will get into trouble.

21 It is sad to have a foolish child; there is no joy in being the parent of a fool.

22 A happy heart is like good medicine, but a broken spirit drains your strength.

23 When the wicked accept money to do wrong there can be no justice.

24 The person with understanding is always looking for wisdom, but the mind of a fool wanders everywhere.

25 A foolish son makes his father sad and causes his mother great sorrow.

26 It is not good to punish the innocent or to beat leaders for being honest.

27 The smart person says very little, and one with understanding stays calm.

28 Even fools seem to be wise if they keep quiet; if they don't speak, they appear to understand.

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.