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