Proverbs 17

King James Version

Full text for Proverbs Chapter 17

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.

28Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: [and] he that shutteth his lips [is esteemed] a man of understanding.

AI Analysis

AI Summaries

Short Summary

Proverbs 17 contrasts the blessings of peace and wisdom with the sorrows of strife and folly. It emphasizes that a quiet life with little is better than abundance with contention, and that a wise servant is preferred over a shameful son. The chapter highlights the Lord's discernment of hearts and warns against mocking the poor or perverting justice. Such actions incur divine displeasure and lead to negative consequences.

Medium Summary

Proverbs 17 presents a series of proverbs contrasting wisdom with folly, and righteousness with wickedness. It begins by valuing quietness and a dry morsel over a house full of sacrifices with strife, underscoring the importance of peace. The chapter reveals that the Lord tests the heart, just as a fining pot refines metals, and condemns those who justify the wicked or condemn the just. It warns against the destructive nature of contention, likening its beginning to letting out water, and advises leaving off strife before it escalates. Furthermore, the chapter extols the virtues of a true friend who loves at all times and a brother born for adversity, while cautioning against foolish surety. Ultimately, it affirms that a merry heart brings healing, but a broken spirit saps strength, and that even a fool can appear wise by remaining silent.

Long Summary

Proverbs 17 offers a collection of wise sayings that delineate the paths of wisdom and folly, and their respective consequences. It commences by asserting that a dry morsel with quietness is superior to a house filled with sacrifices accompanied by strife, thereby prioritizing peace over material abundance. The chapter illustrates the Lord's profound discernment, stating that He tries hearts just as a fining pot refines silver and a furnace gold, implying divine judgment of inner character. It warns against the grave sin of mocking the poor, which reproaches one's Maker, and declares that those who rejoice in calamity shall not escape punishment. The text emphasizes the destructive nature of contention, comparing its onset to the uncontrolled release of water, and strongly advises against engaging in it. Integrity in judgment is paramount, as justifying the wicked or condemning the just are both deemed an abomination to the Lord. The chapter contrasts the wise individual, who receives reproof effectively and spares words, with the fool, who is impervious to correction and whose eyes wander aimlessly. It highlights the sorrow a foolish son brings to his parents and the lack of joy for the father of a fool. Furthermore, it extols the enduring loyalty of a true friend, who loves at all times, and the supportive role of a brother in adversity, cautioning against the folly of becoming surety without understanding. The proverb also notes that a merry heart acts as a medicine, while a broken spirit debilitates, and condemns the wicked who accept bribes to pervert justice. Ultimately, the chapter underscores that even a fool can be perceived as wise if he holds his peace and shuts his lips, emphasizing the value of discretion.

Core Concepts

  • The Nature of Wisdom and FollyWisdom is characterized by receptiveness to reproof, discretion in speech, and understanding, leading to peace and good. Folly, conversely, is marked by a rejection of correction, a propensity for strife, and a lack of understanding, resulting in sorrow and destruction.
  • Integrity and JusticeThe chapter condemns the perversion of justice, such as justifying the wicked or condemning the just, and warns against the wicked who take bribes. It emphasizes that mocking the poor is an affront to God, highlighting the importance of righteous conduct.
  • The Lord's DiscernmentThe text states that the Lord tests the hearts of men, just as precious metals are refined by fire. This signifies God's deep insight into human character and His ultimate judgment based on inner motives and intentions.
  • The Peril of StrifeStrife is depicted as a destructive force, likened to water being let out, which is difficult to contain once started. The chapter strongly advises against contention, linking a love for strife with a love for transgression.
  • The Essence of True FriendshipA true friend is described as one who loves consistently, at all times, and a brother is identified as being born for adversity. This highlights the enduring loyalty and supportive nature of genuine companionship, especially in difficult times.
  • Consequences of WickednessThe chapter illustrates that those who reward evil for good will experience evil in their own homes, and that an evil man seeking rebellion will face a cruel messenger. It also notes that a froward heart finds no good, and a perverse tongue leads to mischief.