Proverbs 17:4-14

4 An evil person listens to evil words. A liar pays attention to words that are harmful.

5 Anyone who laughs at those who are poor makes fun of their Maker. Anyone who is happy when others suffer will be punished.

6 Grandchildren are like a crown to older people. And children are proud of their parents.

7 It isn't proper for foolish people to brag. And it certainly isn't proper for rulers to tell lies!

8 Money buys favors for those who give it. No matter where they turn, they succeed.

9 Those who erase a sin by forgiving it show love. But those who talk about it come between close friends.

10 A person who understands what is right learns more from just a warning than a foolish person learns from 100 strokes with a whip.

11 An evil person never wants to obey. An official who shows no mercy will be sent against him.

12 It is better to meet a bear whose cubs have been stolen than to meet a foolish person who is acting foolishly.

13 Evil will never leave the house of anyone who pays back evil for good.

14 Starting to argue is like making a crack in a dam. So drop the matter before a fight breaks out.

Proverbs 17:4-14 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.