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Proverbs 17

World English Bible

WEB

1Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife. 2A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers. 3The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but Yahweh tests the hearts. 4An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue. 5Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished. 6Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children is their parents. 7Excellent speech isn’t fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince. 8A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers. 9He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends. 10A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool. 11An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. 12Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. 13Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. 14The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out. 15He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh. 16Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, since he has no understanding? 17A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity. 18A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor. 19He who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high gate seeks destruction. 20One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble. 21He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy. 22A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. 23A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice. 24Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth. 25A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him. 26Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity. 27He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding. 28Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Proverbs Chapter 17 presents a collection of wise sayings that emphasize the value of wisdom, the importance of relationships, and the consequences of foolishness. The chapter begins by highlighting that a peaceful home, even with little, is better than a lavish one filled with strife. This sets the tone for the importance of harmony and understanding in our relationships, particularly within families and friendships. The verse, "Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife" (Proverbs 17:1), reminds us that material wealth is not as valuable as peace and contentment. #wisdom #relationships

The chapter continues to explore the themes of integrity and the character of individuals. It states that a wise servant will rule over a foolish son, illustrating the idea that wisdom and understanding are more valuable than mere birthright or status. Additionally, it warns against the folly of gossip and strife, noting that "he who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends" (Proverbs 17:9). This highlights the importance of forgiveness and discretion in maintaining relationships. The chapter concludes with a reminder that a cheerful heart is good medicine, while a broken spirit dries the bones (Proverbs 17:22), emphasizing the profound impact of our attitudes on our well-being and the well-being of those around us. #integrity #forgiveness #cheerfulness

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Referenced by

  1. 2 Samuel 2:26v14Abner's plea to Joab to cease the fighting reflects the wisdom in Proverbs 17:14 about stopping strife before it escalates.
  2. Job 6:14v17Job 6:14 emphasizes the importance of loyalty and kindness to a friend in distress. Proverbs 17:17 similarly highlights the value of a friend who loves at all times, reinforcing the biblical principle of steadfast friendship and support.
  3. Psalms 11:5v3Psalm 11:5 speaks of the Lord testing the righteous, similar to Proverbs 17:3 which uses the metaphor of refining silver and gold to describe how the Lord tests hearts.

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