Proverbs 17 Bible Commentary

17:1 Better [is] a dry morsel, and quietness with it, than an house full of ^a sacrifices [with] strife.

(a) For where there were many sacrifices, there were many portions given to the people, with which they feasted.

17:2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the ^b inheritance among the brethren.

(b) That is, will be made governor over the children.

17:8 A bribe [is as] a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: wherever it ^c turneth, it prospereth.

(c) The reward has great force to gain the hearts of men.

17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth [very] ^d friends.

(d) He that admonishes the prince of his fault makes him his enemy.

17:11 An evil [man] seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel ^e messenger shall be sent against him.

(e) By the messenger is meant such means as God uses to punish the rebels.

17:12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than ^f a fool in his folly.

(f) By which he means the wicked in his rage, who has no fear of God.

17:16 Why [is there] a ^g price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing [he hath] no heart [to it]?

^g What good does it do the wicked to be rich, seeing he does not set his mind to wisdom?

17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a ^h brother is born for adversity.

(h) So that he is more than a friend, even a brother that helps in time of adversity.

17:18 A man void of understanding ⁱ striketh hands, [and] becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

(i) Read (Proverbs 6:1).

17:19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: [and] he that exalteth his ^k gate seeketh destruction.

(k) Lifts up himself above his degree.

17:23 A wicked [man] taketh a bribe out of the ^l bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

(l) That is, secretly and out of the bosom of the rich.

17:24 Wisdom [is] before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool [are] in the ^m ends of the earth.

(m) That is, wander to and fro, and seek not after wisdom.

17:26 Also to punish the just [is] not good, [nor] to strike princes ⁿ for equity.

(n) For their well doing.