Proverbs 17:8-15

8 A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it; they think success will come at every turn.

9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

10 A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool.

11 Evildoers foster rebellion against God; the messenger of death will be sent against them.

12 Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool bent on folly.

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

14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the LORD detests them both.

Proverbs 17:8-15 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. S Exodus 23:8; Proverbs 19:6
• 2. S Proverbs 10:12
• 3. Proverbs 16:28
• 4. S 1 Samuel 25:25
• 5. S 1 Samuel 19:4; Psalms 109:4-5; Jeremiah 18:20
• 6. S Genesis 44:4; S Psalms 35:12
• 7. Matthew 5:25-26; Proverbs 20:3
• 8. S Psalms 94:21; S Proverbs 18:5
• 9. Exodus 23:6-7; Isaiah 5:23; Lamentations 3:34-36