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A Study of Proverbs 17
August 19, 2007
One of our members requested a study of Proverbs. The seventeenth chapter repeats some points already made and introduces new ones. God despises the proud and foolish. Those who act in anger, act foolishly. The wise seek further wisdom. Speak kindly to keep peace. Rulers must be honest, and not lie.
Bernie Parsons
Proverbs Chapter 17
by Bernie Parsons
Presented to the Load church of Christ 08-19-2007
Proverbs 17:1: “Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.”
Proverbs 15:16: “Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
17: Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.”
As we studied in chapter 15, contentment with little is better than much with strife.
Proverbs 17:2: “A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.”
A wise hired man is given authority over the foolish son, and shall be given part of the inheritance intended for the children.
Proverbs 17:3: “The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.”
1 Peter 1: 6: “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”
Isaiah 48:10: “Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.”
Zechariah 13:9: “And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.”
Malachi 3:2: “But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:”
Malachi 3:3: “And he shall sit as a refiner and purifer of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.”
God uses trials and tribulations to purify His people. When times get difficult, the pure in heart desert the dross of life, while the wicked are consumed because of their impurity.
Proverbs 17:4: “A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.”
The wicked and false feed each other their lies and wickedness.
Proverbs 17:5: “Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.”
The poor need compassion and mercy, not mockery. We are the image of God. Mocking the poor mocks God. Those who rejoice at the misfortunes of the poor shall be punished.
Proverbs 17:6: “Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.”
Grandchildren make old men feel like kings. Fathers find glory in their children.
Proverbs 17:7: “Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.”
Like a great speech from a fool, so are the lies from a prince—neither is becoming.
Proverbs 17:8: “A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.”
Gifts are valuable. People hold them in high regard. They bring happiness.
Proverbs 17:9: “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.”
1 Peter 4:8: “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
If you want to keep your friends and solidify your friendship, don’t divulge secrets. If you love someone, you will overlook their sins, rather than publicizing them.
Proverbs 17:10: “A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.”
You can’t beat sense into a fool, but a wise man receives correction.
Proverbs 17:11: “An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.”
The wicked are rebellious, and shall receive harsh recompence.
Proverbs 17:12: “Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.”
A man can deal better with an angry bear seeking her cubs than with a fool caught up in his foolishness.
Proverbs 17:13: “Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.”
If you reward evil as if it is a good thing, then evil shall be your lot in life.
Proverbs 17:14: “The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.”
Once strife is set in motion, it cannot be contained. Do not stir strife to begin with.
Proverbs 17:15: “He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.”
God despises those who justify the wicked or those who condemn the just.
Proverbs 17:16: “Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?”
You cannot buy wisdom, it comes to those who desire it.
Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
A brother will help in time of trouble, while a friend will be there for you all of the time.
Proverbs 17:18: “A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.”
An unthinking person stands good for the debts of others.
Proverbs 17:19: “He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.”
A law-breaker loves turmoil, and one who builds a high gate invites attackers.
Proverbs 17:20: “He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief. “
The mischievous seek evil and those who speak evil become mischievous.
Proverbs 17:21: ”He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.”
There is no joy in being the father of a fool.
Proverbs 17:22: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
As we studied previously, a happy heart creates a good attitude. Someone who is always sorrowing attracts more trouble, and does not enjoy life.
Proverbs 17:23: “A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.”
The wicked offer bribes to obtain false judgment.
Proverbs 17:24: “Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.”
The wise keep wisdom in view, but the eyes of the fool wander.
Proverbs 17:25: “A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.”
A foolish son brings sorrow to his parents.
Proverbs 17:26: “Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.”
It is not good to punish the just nor to beat princes for their fairness.
Proverbs 17:27: “He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.”
A knowledgeable person says little, and remains even-tempered.
Proverbs 17:28: “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”
“Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.”
Just because you (think that you) know something, does not mean that you have to tell it!
