Proverbs 17 Commentary: Wisdom for Life's Relationships and Challenges
Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts.
A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.
Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Proverbs 17, a jewel within Solomon's collection of wisdom (building upon Proverbs 10:1), offers practical guidance on navigating relationships, managing resources, and cultivating a godly spirit. This chapter, like those around it, contrasts wise and foolish behavior, highlighting the consequences of each choice and emphasizing the importance of inner character. It touches upon themes of family harmony, honesty, the power of controlled speech, and the dangers of negativity and bribery. Ultimately, Proverbs 17 provides a roadmap for living a life pleasing to God and beneficial to those around us.
Family and Integrity (Proverbs 17:1-6)
The chapter begins by emphasizing the value of peace and contentment within the home. It's better to have humble fare in a peaceful environment than a lavish feast marred by strife (Proverbs 17:1). This speaks volumes about prioritizing relationships over material possessions. True wealth isn't measured in dollars but in the quality of our interactions and the harmony we cultivate within our families.
The proverb regarding servants ruling over unruly children (Proverbs 17:2) suggests that embracing wisdom can lead to unexpected reversals of fortune. God, the tester of hearts (Proverbs 17:3, also see 1 Samuel 16:7), sees beyond the surface and rewards those who pursue righteousness. He knows our motivations and intentions, making integrity the bedrock of true success.
Dishonest speech and bribery are condemned (Proverbs 17:4, Proverbs 17:8). These actions corrupt relationships and distort justice. God cannot be deceived, and those who plot evil will ultimately face the consequences of their actions.
Furthermore, mocking the poor is a direct insult to God, their Maker (Proverbs 17:5, also see Leviticus 19:10; Psalms 35:10, 41:1; James 2:1-7). God cares deeply for the vulnerable, and His people are called to reflect that same compassion.
Proverbs 17:6 offers a heartwarming perspective on family: "Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly, and the glory of children is their fathers." This verse celebrates the blessing of multi-generational relationships and the joy of seeing one's legacy continue.
Wisdom in Relationships and Resources (Proverbs 17:7-21)
This section delves into various aspects of interpersonal dynamics and responsible living. It warns against foolish speech (Proverbs 17:7) and highlights the power of a well-placed rebuke (Proverbs 17:10). A wise person is receptive to correction, while a fool requires harsh measures to learn. This emphasizes the importance of humility and a teachable spirit.
Concealing an offense promotes love, while gossiping separates friends (Proverbs 17:9, also see Proverbs 11:13, 26:20-22). This doesn't excuse sin but highlights the importance of discretion and forgiveness in maintaining healthy relationships. A true friend is someone you can trust with your vulnerabilities, knowing they will support you rather than use your transparency against you.
The proverb comparing encountering a fool to facing a robbed bear (Proverbs 17:12) illustrates the extreme danger of associating with foolish people. Their unpredictable and destructive behavior can have devastating consequences.
The proverb about the start of a quarrel being like the bursting of a dam (Proverbs 17:14, also see Proverbs 29:11) warns against the escalating nature of conflict. It's crucial to address issues early on before they spiral out of control. As Ephesians 4:26-27 says, we shouldn't give the devil an opportunity to hinder God's work among His people.
The futility of a fool possessing wealth is highlighted in Proverbs 17:16. Without wisdom, resources are easily squandered, leaving the fool no better off. This emphasizes that true wealth lies not in possessions but in the ability to use them wisely.
The value of genuine friendship is celebrated in Proverbs 17:17: "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." True friends are steadfast companions who offer support and encouragement, especially during difficult times. This verse underscores the importance of community and the need to cultivate meaningful relationships. We are not meant to be "Lone Ranger Christians," but to grow, serve, and love in community, fulfilling the "one another" commands of Scripture (e.g., John 15:12; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 4:32; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Spirituality and Speech (Proverbs 17:22-28)
The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of a joyful spirit and a controlled tongue. "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones" (Proverbs 17:22, also see Proverbs 12:25). Our words have the power to heal or to harm, to build up or to tear down. Speaking "the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15) can transform a broken spirit into a joyful heart.
The discerning person seeks wisdom (Proverbs 17:24), focusing on applying God's perspective to every area of life.
Even a fool can appear wise by remaining silent (Proverbs 17:28). Knowing when to speak and when to refrain is a mark of wisdom. Avoiding excessive talking helps prevent saying something foolish (see Proverbs 10:19).
Proverbs 17 provides timeless wisdom for navigating the complexities of life. By prioritizing relationships, cultivating integrity, and controlling our tongues, we can live lives that are pleasing to God and beneficial to those around us. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that true success lies not in material possessions but in the cultivation of inner character and godly relationships.
Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts.
A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.
Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Proverbs 17, a jewel within Solomon's collection of wisdom (building upon Proverbs 10:1), offers practical guidance on navigating relationships, managing resources, and cultivating a godly spirit. This chapter, like those around it, contrasts wise and foolish behavior, highlighting the consequences of each choice and emphasizing the importance of inner character. It touches upon themes of family harmony, honesty, the power of controlled speech, and the dangers of negativity and bribery. Ultimately, Proverbs 17 provides a roadmap for living a life pleasing to God and beneficial to those around us.
Family and Integrity (Proverbs 17:1-6)
The chapter begins by emphasizing the value of peace and contentment within the home. It's better to have humble fare in a peaceful environment than a lavish feast marred by strife (Proverbs 17:1). This speaks volumes about prioritizing relationships over material possessions. True wealth isn't measured in dollars but in the quality of our interactions and the harmony we cultivate within our families.
The proverb regarding servants ruling over unruly children (Proverbs 17:2) suggests that embracing wisdom can lead to unexpected reversals of fortune. God, the tester of hearts (Proverbs 17:3, also see 1 Samuel 16:7), sees beyond the surface and rewards those who pursue righteousness. He knows our motivations and intentions, making integrity the bedrock of true success.
Dishonest speech and bribery are condemned (Proverbs 17:4, Proverbs 17:8). These actions corrupt relationships and distort justice. God cannot be deceived, and those who plot evil will ultimately face the consequences of their actions.
Furthermore, mocking the poor is a direct insult to God, their Maker (Proverbs 17:5, also see Leviticus 19:10; Psalms 35:10, 41:1; James 2:1-7). God cares deeply for the vulnerable, and His people are called to reflect that same compassion.
Proverbs 17:6 offers a heartwarming perspective on family: "Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly, and the glory of children is their fathers." This verse celebrates the blessing of multi-generational relationships and the joy of seeing one's legacy continue.
Wisdom in Relationships and Resources (Proverbs 17:7-21)
This section delves into various aspects of interpersonal dynamics and responsible living. It warns against foolish speech (Proverbs 17:7) and highlights the power of a well-placed rebuke (Proverbs 17:10). A wise person is receptive to correction, while a fool requires harsh measures to learn. This emphasizes the importance of humility and a teachable spirit.
Concealing an offense promotes love, while gossiping separates friends (Proverbs 17:9, also see Proverbs 11:13, 26:20-22). This doesn't excuse sin but highlights the importance of discretion and forgiveness in maintaining healthy relationships. A true friend is someone you can trust with your vulnerabilities, knowing they will support you rather than use your transparency against you.
The proverb comparing encountering a fool to facing a robbed bear (Proverbs 17:12) illustrates the extreme danger of associating with foolish people. Their unpredictable and destructive behavior can have devastating consequences.
The proverb about the start of a quarrel being like the bursting of a dam (Proverbs 17:14, also see Proverbs 29:11) warns against the escalating nature of conflict. It's crucial to address issues early on before they spiral out of control. As Ephesians 4:26-27 says, we shouldn't give the devil an opportunity to hinder God's work among His people.
The futility of a fool possessing wealth is highlighted in Proverbs 17:16. Without wisdom, resources are easily squandered, leaving the fool no better off. This emphasizes that true wealth lies not in possessions but in the ability to use them wisely.
The value of genuine friendship is celebrated in Proverbs 17:17: "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." True friends are steadfast companions who offer support and encouragement, especially during difficult times. This verse underscores the importance of community and the need to cultivate meaningful relationships. We are not meant to be "Lone Ranger Christians," but to grow, serve, and love in community, fulfilling the "one another" commands of Scripture (e.g., John 15:12; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 4:32; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Spirituality and Speech (Proverbs 17:22-28)
The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of a joyful spirit and a controlled tongue. "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones" (Proverbs 17:22, also see Proverbs 12:25). Our words have the power to heal or to harm, to build up or to tear down. Speaking "the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15) can transform a broken spirit into a joyful heart.
The discerning person seeks wisdom (Proverbs 17:24), focusing on applying God's perspective to every area of life.
Even a fool can appear wise by remaining silent (Proverbs 17:28). Knowing when to speak and when to refrain is a mark of wisdom. Avoiding excessive talking helps prevent saying something foolish (see Proverbs 10:19).
Proverbs 17 provides timeless wisdom for navigating the complexities of life. By prioritizing relationships, cultivating integrity, and controlling our tongues, we can live lives that are pleasing to God and beneficial to those around us. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that true success lies not in material possessions but in the cultivation of inner character and godly relationships.