1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings and teachings attributed to King Solomon, the son of David. It is a book that offers practical advice and guidance on how to live a life of wisdom and righteousness. Proverbs 17 is a chapter that continues this theme, with its focus on various aspects of human behavior and relationships. In this chapter, we see the contrast between the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, and the importance of values such as honesty, integrity, and kindness. Through its teachings, Proverbs 17 provides valuable insights into the meaning of life and how to live it in a way that is pleasing to God.
1. The Value of Wisdom and Understanding
The first verse of Proverbs 17 sets the tone for the entire chapter: "Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than a house full of sacrifices with strife." This verse highlights the importance of peace and contentment over material possessions and conflict. It is a reminder that true happiness and fulfillment come from within, not from external sources.
Throughout the chapter, we see the contrast between the wise and the foolish. The wise are those who seek knowledge and understanding, while the foolish are those who reject wisdom and choose their own way. Proverbs 17:10 states, "A reproof entereth more into a wise man than a hundred stripes into a fool." This verse emphasizes the value of correction and discipline in the pursuit of wisdom. The wise are open to correction and willing to learn, while the foolish are stubborn and resistant to change.
2. The Importance of Relationships
Proverbs 17 also emphasizes the importance of relationships and how they are affected by our words and actions. Verse 9 states, "He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends." This verse highlights the value of forgiveness and reconciliation in maintaining healthy relationships. It also warns against the destructive power of gossip and slander.
Verse 17 further emphasizes the value of relationships, stating, "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." This verse highlights the importance of having loyal and trustworthy friends who will stand by us in difficult times. It also reminds us of the special bond between siblings and the importance of supporting and caring for one another.
3. The Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked
Throughout the Book of Proverbs, there is a clear distinction between the righteous and the wicked. Proverbs 17 continues this theme, with verses such as "The wicked doeth a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward" (verse 23). This verse emphasizes the importance of living a life of integrity and righteousness, rather than resorting to deceit and wickedness.
Verse 15 also highlights the contrast between the righteous and the wicked: "He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord." This verse reminds us that God detests injustice and will judge those who oppress the innocent. It also encourages us to stand up for what is right and just, even if it goes against popular opinion.
4. The Power of Words
Proverbs 17 contains several verses that emphasize the power of our words and the importance of using them wisely. Verse 27 states, "He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit." This verse highlights the value of wisdom and restraint in our speech. Similarly, verse 28 states, "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding." This verse reminds us that sometimes it is better to remain silent than to speak foolishly.
Verse 9 also speaks to the power of our words, stating, "He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends." This verse highlights the destructive nature of gossip and slander and the importance of using our words to build up and edify others, rather than tear them down.
Proverbs 17 is a chapter that offers timeless wisdom and practical guidance for living a life of righteousness and wisdom. Its teachings remind us of the value of wisdom and understanding, the importance of relationships, the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, and the power of our words. It also emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and living according to His will.
The underlying message of Proverbs 17 is that true wisdom comes from God and that those who seek it will find favor and blessing in His sight. It also reminds us that our words and actions have consequences and that we should strive to live a life that is pleasing to God. As Proverbs 17:3 states, "The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts." This verse reminds us that God sees the true intentions of our hearts and will judge us accordingly.
Overall, Proverbs 17 is a chapter that offers valuable insights into the meaning of life and how to live it in a way that is pleasing to God. Its teachings are just as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago, and it remains a timeless source of wisdom and guidance for those who seek to live a life of righteousness and wisdom.
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