Proverbs
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Proverbs 17
Proverbs 17
1Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, Than a house full of feasting with strife.
1Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
Commentary · verse 1
2A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, And shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren.
3The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; But Jehovah trieth the hearts.
2A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
3The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
Commentary · verses 2-3
God tested the hearts of man.
4An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; And a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue.
4A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
Commentary · verse 4
Those who were destructive looked for others who were similar to them. They felt more right in their destruction when they were not alone.
5Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker; And he that is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.
5Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
Commentary · verse 5
Mocking the poor and being happy about others' misfortunes would be punished and was actually called a reproach to God the Creator.
6Children’s children are the crown of old men; And the glory of children are their fathers.
7Excellent speech becometh not a fool; Much less do lying lips a prince.
6Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
7Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
Commentary · verses 6-7
Fools were those without understanding and therefore they did not speak excellent (profitable) words.
8A bribe is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it; Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
8A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
Commentary · verse 8
The word "bribe" was also translated as "gift." It seemed to fit better as "gift" or "present" in this context. When someone gives to you, you see it as precious.
9He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; But he that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends.
10A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding Than a hundred stripes into a fool.
9He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
10A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
Commentary · verses 9-10
Those who were wise knew that spiritual correction (contrastive thinking) was better than physical correction.
11An evil man seeketh only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
11An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
Commentary · verse 11
Those who sought rebellion would find rebellion in return.
12Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly.
12Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
Commentary · verse 12
It was better to interact with a bear whose babies were stolen than to interact with a fool who was acting foolishly. Again, the physical was contrasted with people led by their emotions.
13Whoso rewardeth evil for good, Evil shall not depart from his house.
13Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
Commentary · verse 13
Those who destroyed a good creation would have destruction always in their house.
14The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling.
15He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah.
14The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
15He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
Commentary · verses 14-15
Those who enabled the wicked and condemned the good were alike in the eyes of God.
16Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, Seeing he hath no understanding?
16Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
Commentary · verse 16
Only a fool would think he could buy understanding...that the physical could be a cause for the mental, emotional, and spiritual.
17A friend loveth at all times; And a brother is born for adversity.
18A man void of understanding striketh hands, And becometh surety in the presence of his neighbor.
17A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
18A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
Commentary · verses 17-18
"Striketh hands" meant "shaking hands." The handshake represented this man ensuring the loan. In particular, this was ensuring or guaranteeing someone else's "surety" (debt). Doing this was considered foolish.
19He loveth transgression that loveth strife: He that raiseth high his gate seeketh destruction.
20He that hath a wayward heart findeth no good; And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
19He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
20He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
Commentary · verses 19-20
The condition of our hearts and tongues (words) guided us in our path. Is your heart and tongue in line with wisdom and understanding?
21He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow; And the father of a fool hath no joy.
22A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones.
21He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
22A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
Commentary · verses 21-22
A "cheerful" heart was good medicine. However, the "cheerfulness" ought to be the result of a right HOW/WHY such as "trusting in God," like was stated in Proverbs 16:20.
23A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice.
23A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
Commentary · verse 23
This usage of "bribe" in this verse fit the context. A bribe perverted Justice.
24Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding; But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
24Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
Commentary · verse 24
Those who had understanding knew HOW and WHY it was important to live each moment profitably.
25A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her that bare him.
26Also to punish the righteous is not good, Nor to smite the noble for their uprightness.
27He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
25A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
26Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
27He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
Commentary · verses 25-27
Those who "spareth" their words had knowledge. They knew when to speak. Those who were of a "cool spirit" were also those with understanding. "Cool" meant "valuable." They had a profitable spirit.
28Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; When he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent.
28Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Commentary · verse 28
We ought to speak when the timing is right. Those who had understanding knew when was the right time to speak.
How much food you have is not as important as whether or not your house is harmonized.