Proverbs 17

1 Better a bit of dry bread in peace, than a house full of feasting and violent behaviour.

2 A servant who does wisely will have rule over a son causing shame, and will have his part in the heritage among brothers.

3 The heating-pot is for silver and the oven-fire for gold, but the Lord is the tester of hearts.

4 A wrongdoer gives attention to evil lips, and a man of deceit gives ear to a damaging tongue.

5 Whoever makes sport of the poor puts shame on his Maker; and he who is glad because of trouble will not go free from punishment.

6 Children's children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their fathers.

7 Fair words are not to be looked for from a foolish man, much less are false lips in a ruler.

8 An offering of money is like a stone of great price in the eyes of him who has it: wherever he goes, he does well.

9 He who keeps a sin covered is looking for love; but he who keeps on talking of a thing makes division between friends.

10 A word of protest goes deeper into one who has sense than a hundred blows into a foolish man.

11 An uncontrolled man is only looking for trouble, so a cruel servant will be sent against him.

12 It is better to come face to face with a bear whose young ones have been taken away than with a foolish man acting foolishly.

13 If anyone gives back evil for good, evil will never go away from his house.

14 The start of fighting is like the letting out of water: so give up before it comes to blows.

15 He who gives a decision for the evil-doer and he who gives a decision against the upright, are equally disgusting to the Lord.

16 How will money in the hand of the foolish get him wisdom, seeing that he has no sense?

17 A friend is loving at all times, and becomes a brother in times of trouble.

18 A man without sense gives his hand in an agreement, and makes himself responsible before his neighbour.

19 The lover of fighting is a lover of sin: he who makes high his doorway is looking for destruction.

20 Nothing good comes to him whose heart is fixed on evil purposes: and he who has an evil tongue will come to trouble.

21 He who has an unwise son gets sorrow for himself, and the father of a foolish son has no joy.

22 A glad heart makes a healthy body, but a crushed spirit makes the bones dry.

23 A sinner takes an offering out of his robe, to get a decision for himself in a cause.

24 Wisdom is before the face of him who has sense; but the eyes of the foolish are on the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitter pain to her who gave him birth.

26 To give punishment to the upright is not good, or to give blows to the noble for their righteousness.

27 He who has knowledge says little: and he who has a calm spirit is a man of good sense.

28 Even the foolish man, when he keeps quiet, is taken to be wise: when his lips are shut he is credited with good sense.

PREVIOUS Proverbs 16 NEXT Proverbs 18

Images for Proverbs 17

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.

Taken from Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise)

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.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible