Proverbs 17:11-21

11 Every bad man stirs up strifes: but the Lord will send out against him an unmerciful messenger.

12 Care may befall a man of understanding; but fools will meditate evils.

13 Whoso rewards evil for good, evil shall not be removed from his house.

14 Rightful rule gives power to words; but sedition and strife precede poverty.

15 He that pronounces the unjust just, and the just unjust, is unclean and abominable with God.

16 Why has the fool wealth? for a senseless man will not be able to purchase wisdom. He that exalts his own house seeks ruin; and he that turns aside from instruction shall fall into mischief.

17 Have thou a friend for every time, and let brethren be useful in distress; for on this account are they born.

18 A foolish man applauds and rejoices over himself, also that becomes surety would make himself responsible for his own friends.

19 A lover of sin rejoices in strifes;

20 and the hard-hearted man comes not in for good. A man of a changeful tongue will fall into mischiefs;

21 and the heart of a fool is grief to its possessor. A father rejoices not over an uninstructed son; but a wise son gladdens his mother.

Proverbs 17:11-21 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or, meets not with good men.