Proverbs Chapter 17
From The Open Bible Project
17:1 Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife.
- (a) For where there were many sacrifices, there were many portions given to the people, with which they feasted.
17:2 A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers.
- (b) That is, will be made governor over the children.
17:3 The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but Yahweh tests the hearts.
17:4 An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
17:5 Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.
17:6 Children's children are the crown of old men; the glory of children are their parents.
17:7 Arrogant speech isn't fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince.
17:8 A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers.
- (c) The reward has great force to gain the hearts of men.
17:9 He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends.
- (d) He that admonishes the prince of his fault makes him his enemy.
17:10 A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool.
17:11 An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
- (e) By the messenger is meant such means as God uses to punish the rebels.
17:12 Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
- (f) By which he means the wicked in his rage, who has no fear of God.
17:13 Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
17:14 The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.
17:15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.
17:16 Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, seeing he has no understanding?
- (g) What good does it do the wicked to be rich, seeing he does not set his mind to wisdom?
17:17 A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity.
- (h) So that he is more than a friend, even a brother that helps in time of adversity.
17:18 A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor.
- (i) Read (Proverbs 6:1).
17:19 He who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.
- (k) Lifts up himself above his degree.
17:20 One who has a perverse heart doesn't find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.
17:21 He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy.
17:22 A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
17:23 A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice.
- (l) That is, secretly and out of the bosom of the rich.
17:24 Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
- (m) That is, wander to and fro, and seek not after wisdom.
17:25 A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.
17:26 Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.
- (n) For their well doing.
17:27 He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.
17:28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.
