Resist its earliest display; and leave it off, if it were possible, before you begin. Friends must be constant to each other at all times. “This proverb contains a comparison between an evil-doer and an evil-speaker, and showeth their agreement in the same sinful practice of being greedy to hear false and wicked speeches.” (Poole), ii. “As many persons are guilty of the sin of ingratitude, and of paying kindness with unkindness, and good with evil, it is no wonder we find so much wretchedness among men; for God’s word cannot fail; evil shall not depart from the houses and families of such persons.” (Clarke), ii. An EasyEnglish Bible Version and Commentary (2800 word vocabulary) on the Book of Proverbs. But no friend, except Christ, deserves unlimited confidence. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Evil will not depart from his house: God sees when His moral order is offended and will answer it. Whithersoever you turn them, they reflect the light, are brilliant and beautiful.” (Clarke). Nor to strike princes for their uprightness. Rather than a fool in his folly. i. 1 You may have to eat a bit of dry bread. a. i. Elders derive a sense of pride from their descendants, and children get their self-worth from parents. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. A friend loveth at all times. It should concern us if we love to hear lies and gossip about others. b. He who has a perverse tongue falls into evil: Wicked and foolish words not only display the evil of someone’s heart, they also lead them into greater evil. Our enemy’s great object is to turn the mind away from what is immediate to what is indefinite, from what is plain and important to what is unsearchable, from what is personal to what is irrelevant. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. a. Children’s children are the crown of old men: Grandchildren are like a crown of glory for a grandparent. Peace and quietness in the home are so valuable that they make up for many other comforts denied. “Abundance often brings a deterioration of moral and ethical standards as well as an increase in envy and strife.” (Ross). And bitterness to her who bore him: Because of the maternal instinct and bond, there is a special pain and bitterness that belongs to the mother of a foolish son or daughter. b. i. They have their eyes everywhere (the ends of the earth) except where they should be. Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool, &c. — The Hebrew is literally, Wherefore is this? b. And a man who affects a style of living above his means, goes the way to ruin. The son has his natural place, but God does not see that natural place as giving absolute right to lead and may give leadership to a wise servant instead. Uprightness should be rewarded and honored, not punished. “The man who builds a high gate exalts himself above his neighbor and assumes a lifestyle beyond his rank.” (Bridges), ii. a. “Contrary to judicial law and custom, one’s virtue, not the privilege of birth, ultimately counts for more in social and economic standing.” (Waltke). 2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren. 17. A merry heart does good, like medicine, Such a friend was Jonathan; Hushai the Archite; Ittai the Gittite, who stuck close to David when he was at his lowest point. Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Keil & Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary. Proverbs 17 Commentary, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary was written by the Thomas Coke, one of the founders of the Methodist Church in the United States. “The finer the disposition, the less is needed to correct it.” (Morgan). Dry bread was soaked in wine or water before it was eaten. These words recommend family-love and peace, as conducing very much to the comfort of human life. A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, Such a friend was Jonathan; Hushai the Archite; Ittai the Gittite, who stuck close to David when he was at his lowest point. 1. “Evil words die without a welcome; and the welcome gives us away.” (Kidner). Since he has no heart for it? 4. Whoever rewards evil for good, He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife. And will share an inheritance among the brothers: Should the son prove to cause shame and if it is in God’s will, God is able to even lift up a wise servant to a place of leadership and inheritance among the brothers. Proverbs 17 Commentary, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary is one of the most respected interdenominational commentaries ever written. Proverbs 17:13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house." We should never think that the wise man or woman reveals their wisdom by talking a lot. “The corrupt official defies God who has placed him over the community to protect the poor. Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.. a. a. He who has knowledge spares his words: Both wisdom and folly are often revealed by one’s words. He thus has often shown the sin remaining in the heart of the believer. - (Comp, Proverbs 15:16, 17; Proverbs 16:8.) Those who seek only rebellion can offer nothing wise and good to replace that which they rebel against. He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished: To be glad at anyone’s calamity shows an unloving, unsympathetic heart. This was the feeling David described in Psalm 32:1-4. i. He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, He who loves transgression loves strife: There are those who love both transgression and strife. a. Their wisdom makes everything else clearer and able to be understood. 1. Such people should never sit in the gate of respect, leadership, and authority. First, that the heart will yield to no force other than that of God. It upsets God’s moral order to have good punished. God never thinks that all should be equally condemned or justified; but that the appropriate answer be given to both the wicked and the just. Proverbs 17. Fining and flogging are mentioned. b. Justice requires the opposite outcome – that the wicked are condemned and that the just are justified. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. And bitterness to her who bore him. An evildoer gives heed to false lips: When it comes to lies spoken by false lips, evil people not only spread them, they also receive them. Proverbs 17:10 - A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred blows into a fool. b. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. He has no definite objective, no certain way of life. Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Rather than a fool in his folly: A foolish man in the midst of his foolish actions can be more dangerous than a mother bear who lost her cubs. This speaks very plainly what many wise and good men feel very strongly, how grievous it is to have a foolish, wicked child. i. b. “This proverb was very near the bone: both parents of Solomon had so repaid the devoted Uriah, and had duly received the sentence of line 2: see 2 Samuel 12:10ff.” (Kidner). 17. We see the Son of God taking on our nature so that he might be our friend and brother (Hebrews 2:14). No sensible person would want to meet a mother bear under such conditions. Ver. He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, He who loves transgression loves strife, Commentary on Proverbs 17:3 (Read Proverbs 17:3) It has the effect of drying up the bones.” (Bridges). This is like the beginning of strife. i. “These fine family fruits need cultivating and protecting. b. a. Whoever rewards evil for good: It is plainly wrong to give evil to those who deserve good. Verse 17 This intimates the strength of those bonds by which we are bound to each other and which we ought to be sensible of. He is careful when he does speak, to speak to the purpose. Yet Christ's becoming Surety for men, was a glorious display of Divine wisdom; for he was able to discharge the bond. It is an honour to children to have wise and godly parents continued to them, even after they are grown up and settled in the world. A true, hearty, faithful friend, loves in times of adversity as well as in times of prosperity: there are many that are friends to persons, while they are in affluent circumstances; but when there is a change in their condition, and they are … a. He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just: This is the same kind of upset of God’s moral order as mentioned previously in Proverbs 17:13. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. i. Children’s children are the crown of old men, I know he will be with me now that I need his help,’ and so he was, for that faithful servant died triumphant.” (Spurgeon). It is stamped with his special honor. Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord: God sees the violation of justice on both sides. The wise man or woman will stay away from such a fool in his folly. i. i. “The fool has no interest in obtaining wisdom in the way that it must be obtained.” (Ross). Commentary on Proverbs 17:2 (Read Proverbs 17:2) The wise servant is more deserving, and more likely to appear one of the family, than a profligate son. b. But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. The glory of children is their father: This is true both as a fact and as an aspiration. i. Flatterers, especially false teachers, are welcome to those that live in sin. Better is a dry morsel with quietness: There is nothing appealing about a dry morsel. i. Silver and gold each have their place of refining and purification. John Trapp Complete Commentary. But a broken spirit dries the bones. Wherever he turns, he prospers. “In the latter clause there is an evident allusion to cut stones. Light somebodys torch, and your own will burn brighter. (Proverbs 17:27, Proverbs 17:28.) The exposure of all belongs to God, not man (Luke 12:3). The question implies, that the price is unworthily placed, and that it is to no purpose, or benefit of the possessor. His word and His truth give a wise, loving standard that will both examine and refine the inner man or woman. He blesses those who follow His commandments. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace: This continues the idea from the previous proverb. Yet, in the case of wisdom, it may be revealed by the knowledge of when to keep quiet. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. To pervert the ways of justice. a. A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back: It is wrong to receive a bribe, an illegal and unjust payment to get around normal laws and procedures and to buy favor from officials. “Ponder every thought that may disturb contentment. i. Click on the different category headings to find out more. There is a wonderful way that even a fool can be considered wise – to not speak. Once an argument or battle has begun, it is difficult to control its course, and like uncontrolled water, it can cause great damage. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, Man's neglect of God's favour and his own interest is very absurd. Much less lying lips to a prince: Any leader (a prince) should be so known for truthfulness that it is regarded as a strange surprise that they would lie. Than a house full of feasting with strife. Truly, a cheerful and merry heart is good for more than the personality; it is good for the body. A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame: It is natural that a son should rule; the trust one has in family is often greater than the trust one has servants. Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding: The sense seems to be that the wise see things in the light of their wisdom. Parents may find great grief in the foolish character of their children. The wicked are ready to part with their money, though loved, that they may not suffer for their crimes. Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool, b. “Its precise antithetic parallels contrasts a dinner party consisting of a dry bite of bread that had not been dipped into a dish of savory sauce of oil, vinegar or the like (cf. Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, Commentary on Proverbs 17:1 (Read Proverbs 17:1) These words recommend family love and peace, as needful for the comfort of human life. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. The beginning of strife is like releasing water: The nature of liquid water makes it difficult to restrain. b. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. “It is an ill sign of a vicious nature to be apt to believe scandalous reports of godly men. If there be but the least breach, they stop it presently, otherwise the sea would soon flood them.” (Trapp). In this context the present may be a bribe, because the same Hebrew word is used. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. a. a. A fool, in Solomon's Proverbs, signifies a wicked man, whom excellent speech does not become, because his conversation contradicts it. He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker: Some people find it easy to mock the poor. Chapter 17. The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, A broken spirit dries the bones: Those who are defeated and broken in spirit will see the effect in their health and experience of life. The problem is not in the correction itself (though the fool will likely blame it); the problem is in the fool. Better is a dry morsel and quietness therewith. Proverbs 17:17. www.easyenglish.bible. They seem to love to embrace a lie. Better is a dry morsel with quietness: There is nothing appealing about a dry morsel. What influence should the gifts of God have on our hearts! Satan, and the messengers of Satan, shall be let loose upon an evil man. The writer had observed some such scene with the horror of a just man. i. And will share an inheritance among the brothers. Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. i. b. Proverbs 17:18. They can give an almost indescribable sense of pleasure and satisfaction. To pervert the ways of justice: When favor and a desired outcome depends on bribe money and not fairness and righteousness, justice is perverted. a. Also, to punish the righteous is not good, Be useful. Ezekiel 37:1-14).” (Ross), ii. A friend loves at all times, He who repeats a matter separates friends: To uncover someone’s sin by repeated it to others will ruin relationships and divide friendships. i. A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back And becomes surety for his friend: It is responsibility enough to honor our own debts. b. - Verse-by-Verse Commentary If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. And the father of a fool has no joy. To upset this or reverse it is not good. 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