And becomes surety for his friend. Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool, &c. — The Hebrew is literally, Wherefore is this? b. The fact that both the poor and the well-off have the same Maker should give the richer person greater sympathy and greater sense. Children’s children are the crown of old men, Wisdom warns us against taking responsibility for the debts of others. He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, 4. And the father of a fool has no joy. He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished. Such people should understand that when they mock the poor, they despise (reproach) the One who made both the poor and themselves. The Lord tests the hearts: The most appropriate place for the human heart to be tested and purified is with the Lord Himself. Better is a dry morsel and quietness therewith. i. Morgan on the principle of this proverb: “Let it be applied. Pro 17:1. What danger there is in the beginning of strife! It is very wrong to find fault for doing what is duty. To be constantly agitated and upset is a mark of folly, not wisdom. Those who seek only rebellion can offer nothing wise and good to replace that which they rebel against. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. a. This is a lofty and rarely reached standard among leaders, especially political leaders. “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). Those who set their hearts upon money, will do any thing for it. on StudyLight.org He who loves transgression loves strife, But a broken spirit dries the bones. “‘Bones’ figuratively represents the body (encased in the bony frame): fat bones means a healthy body (Proverbs 3:8; 15:30; 16:24), but dry bones signify unhealthiness and lifelessness (cf. Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue. He who has a deceitful heart finds no good: The one filled with deceit will only find corruption and deceit in others. Their wisdom makes everything else clearer and able to be understood. Also, to punish the righteous is not good, “A dishonest leader is worse than an arrogant fool. a. Is counted wise: “The dry advice of 28 is not purely ironical: the fool who takes it is no longer a complete fool.” (Kidner). Parents may find great grief in the foolish character of their children. These words recommend family-love and peace, as conducing very much to the comfort of human life. b. A man may show himself to be a wise man, by the good temper of his mind, and by the good government of his tongue. a. Rebuke is more effective for a wise man: Because a wise man or woman will respond to rebuke and learn from it, it can be truly effective for him or her. These words recommend family love and peace, as needful for the comfort of human life. Proverbs 17:1. “A broken spirit in an evangelical sense is God’s precious gift. 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 mystery of this friendship is beyond our imagination.”, iii. It is natural for children to glory in their father, and fathers should live and parent in such a way that would cause their children to glory in them. a. Click on the different category headings to find out more. i. 17 Correct thy son, and he will give thee delight, And afford pleasure to thy soul. a. “Possibly gate is here taken for the mouth; and the exalting of the gate may mean proud boasting and arrogant speaking, such as has a tendency to kindle and maintain strife. 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. Resist its earliest display; and leave it off, if it were possible, before you begin. A cruel messenger will be sent against him: Repeated rebellion invites cruel retaliation. “Opening such a sluice lets loose more than one can predict, control or retrieve.” (Kidner). He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, Wherever he turns, he prospers: The gain one receives from a gift (or bribe) so delights them that it accomplishes the purpose of the gift. Second, Jehovah does try the heart.” (Morgan), ii. a. A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back b. And will share an inheritance among the brothers. All Rights Reserved. Better is a dry morsel with quietness: There is nothing appealing about a dry morsel. i. Proverbs 17:16. He who exalts his gate seeks destruction: Those who exalt the leadership of those who love transgression and strife are promoting destruction. Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts. Satan, and the messengers of Satan, shall be let loose upon an evil man. God tries the heart by affliction. Both are an abomination to the Lord.” (Waltke). A friend loveth at all times. Let us watch over our own passions, and avoid the company of furious men. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. a. Proverbs 17 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. It is great mercy that God gives us leave to be cheerful, and cause to be cheerful, if by his grace he gives us hearts to be cheerful. This was the feeling David described in Psalm 32:1-4. i. And this interpretation seems to agree better with the scope of the context.” (Clarke). John Trapp Complete Commentary. Wherever he turns, he prospers. i. And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Talent, cultivation of mind, and improvement of opportunity are all frittered away. This shows a fundamental corruption and lack of integrity. Such a friend was Jonathan; Hushai the Archite; Ittai the Gittite, who stuck close to David when he was at his lowest point. 17 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife. 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. His word and His truth give a wise, loving standard that will both examine and refine the inner man or woman. b. 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. A gentle reproof will enter, not only into the head, but into the heart of a wise man. The wise man or woman will stay away from such a fool in his folly. They love to think of themselves as better than those who have less than they do. i. Evil will not depart from his house. A brother is born for adversity: A true brother (here used in a sense beyond the literal blood relation) will show himself in a time of adversity. When the heart is cheerful the duties of a mans calling are a pleasure to him. 2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren. Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments. He cares about those things that are furthest from him and with which he has the least concern.” (Bridges), v. “This diversion is a great friend to the enemy. b. Keil & Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary. On the other hand, when the sp… b. When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive: If the fool cared about being considered perceptive, this gives an easy way for it to happen. Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool, Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; (Proverbs 17:27, Proverbs 17:28.) But here a crushed spirit describes a brooding spirit of despondency that always looks on the dark side of things. John Trapp relates in his commentary how cruelly some take joy in the persecution, suffering, and death of innocent people – and how certainly judgment will come upon such. Let not any wrong their families. If there be but the least breach, they stop it presently, otherwise the sea would soon flood them.” (Trapp). b. The seepage starts from a small aperture, but under built up pressure it quickly bursts open and the small leak turns into a raging, uncontrolled cataclysm that gets out of hand and does irreparable damage.” (Waltke), ii. “That eminent servant of God, Jonathan Edwards, when he was at his last, said, ‘Where is Jesus of Nazareth, my old and faithful friend? He will receive part of the valuable things of his master when his master dies. If we would keep a clear conscience and a quiet mind, we must shun all excitements to anger. He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, “Wisdom is within the sight and reach at every man: but he whose desires are scattered abroad, who is always aiming at impossible things, or is of an unsteady disposition, is not likely to find it.” (Clarke), ii. 15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD. “Behind this apparently innocuous proverb is a profound assertion of the psychological interdependence of the generations. A friend loveth at all times.] And he who exalts his gate seeks destruction. He who covers a transgression seeks love: There is a time and a place for the exposure of sin (Ephesians 5:11), but often the sins of others should be tactfully and lovingly covered. They seem to love to embrace a lie. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. This proverb may simply state the fact that a bribe usually works. “The finer the disposition, the less is needed to correct it.” (Morgan). No sensible person would want to meet a mother bear under such conditions. Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom: Wisdom has a price, and Solomon imagined a fool who was ready to pay that price. He who repeats a matter separates friends: To uncover someone’s sin by repeated it to others will ruin relationships and divide friendships. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. “As a student who is hearing nothing of what his teacher says might let his eyes rove to every corner of the classroom, so the fool who is inattentive to the instruction of Wisdom is said to have his eyes on the ends of the earth.” (McKane, cited in Ross), iv. 1. Proverbs 17 Commentary, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this highly respected and nearly exhaustive compilation, containing nearly 500,000 cross-references b. i. First, that the heart will yield to no force other than that of God. i. b. Such a friend was Jonathan; Hushai the Archite; Ittai the Gittite, who stuck close to David when he was at his lowest point. Consider the influence of cheerfulness and depression on the duties and the pursuits of life. This is unfortunate, since his works contain priceless gems of information that are found nowhere except in the ancient writings of the Jews. b. i. Lessons about wisdom. Look at your mercies with both eyes; your troubles with only one eye. A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue: Those who lie love to listen to lies as well as speak them. Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord. The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. a. But no friend, except Christ, deserves unlimited confidence. What used to be called fair-weather friends – those who are friends only when the weather is pleasant and fair – are not true friends at all. A merry heart does good, like medicine, The Lord rewarded His people for good behavior. The evil man should not be surprised when it comes. a. Children’s children are the crown of old men: Grandchildren are like a crown of glory for a grandparent. Nor to strike princes for their uprightness: If a leader is upright, he should never be punished – especially by striking. And a brother is born for adversity. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. Study Proverbs 17 using Wesley’s Explanatory Notes to better understand Scripture with full outline and verse meaning. b. Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts: Because strife and contention are difficult to control and cause great damage, wisdom sees that it is much better to stop contention before it ever starts. Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool: It isn’t that excellent speech is not desired from the fool, but that it is such an unexpected surprise. He that hath pity on the poor — And relieves their necessities; lendeth unto the Lord — Doth not empoverish, but enrich himself: for the Lord takes what is done to them as done to himself, because it is done to those whom he has appointed in his own stead to be his receivers, and whom he hath, in a peculiar manner, commended to the care and charity of all other men. Commentary on Proverbs 17:3 (Read Proverbs 17:3) Flatterers, especially false teachers, are welcome to those that live in sin. a. The question implies, that the price is unworthily placed, and that it is to no purpose, or benefit of the possessor. Dross in metal may be discovered and expurged by fire, but evil in the heart can be discovered and dealt with only by God. Then, no one can or should have confidence in the system of laws and ways of justice. Better (sweeter) is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith. “Taking gossip seriously is itself a form of malice practiced by those who have no respect for the truth.” (Garrett). “God likes not fair words from a foul mouth. It discourages those who do good and encourages those who do not. A fool, in Solomon's Proverbs, signifies a wicked man, whom excellent speech does not become, because his conversation contradicts it. b. A foolish son is a grief to his father: The thought in this proverb is similar to that in Proverbs 17:21. b. i. Proverbs 17:17 Context. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor: It is human nature to regard a present as something precious. There is nothing got by ill designs. John Trapp Complete Commentary. Light somebodys torch, and your own will burn brighter. But the foolish man cannot fix his thoughts, nor pursue any purpose with steadiness. These words recommend family love and peace, as needful for the comfort of human life. Yet Christ's becoming Surety for men, was a glorious display of Divine wisdom; for he was able to discharge the bond. “He therefore tries us, that he may make us know what is in us, what dross, what pure metal; and that all may see that we are such as, for a need, can ‘glorify him in the very fires,’ [Isaiah 24:15].” (Trapp). The eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth: The fool doesn’t see things with the eyes of wisdom. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. 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. He blesses those who follow His commandments. i. Elders derive a sense of pride from their descendants, and children get their self-worth from parents. Proverbs 17:17. 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. There is a wonderful way that even a fool can be considered wise – to not speak. Proverbs 17:10 - A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred blows into a fool. Uprightness should be rewarded and honored, not punished. i. About this commentary: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible is available in the Public Domain. A friend loveth at all times.] Thus Boaz bid Ruth "dip her morsel in the vinegar" ; thus Jesus gave the sop to Judas when he had dipped it . a. 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. First, a question as to whether I am really a friend to anyone; and second, a question as to how many real friends I have.”, ii. Than a hundred blows on a fool. A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge: Wisdom guards us against foolish partnerships. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. “His eyes are on the ends of the earth, rolling and wandering from one object to another. a. “In the latter clause there is an evident allusion to cut stones. “The first part of this proverb does not teach, as is so often stated, that poverty is from God. Charles Bridges had an even better application: “We must look to our Lord for the best example in this matter. On the other hand, one generation can cause shame and a sense of worthlessness in another.” (Garrett), ii. “Both the liar and his willing audience have no taste for truth.” (Waltke), iii. Ver. A price in the hand of a fool to procure wisdom, and not a heart? One is reminded of Abraham Lincoln’s witty saying: “It is better to keep your mouth shut and let them think you a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”, (c) 2020 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik – ewm@enduringword.com. 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 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. Proverbs Bible Study Commentary. And many have paid dear for an unbridled tongue. a. Proverbs 17 – Wisdom, Justice, and Family, Than a house full of feasting with strife, A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, And will share an inheritance among the brothers, The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue, He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker, He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished, Children’s children are the crown of old men, Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool, A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor, He who repeats a matter separates friends, A cruel messenger will be sent against him, The beginning of strife is like releasing water, Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts, He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike are an abomination to the, Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom, A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, He who has a perverse tongue falls into evil, He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back, Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, The eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth, Nor to strike princes for their uprightness, A man of understanding is of a calm spirit, Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace, When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive, © Copyright - Enduring Word       |      . An evil man seeks only rebellion: The instinctive response of rebellion belongs to the evil, not to the wise. Yet, should a son cause shame, God knows how to replace that son with a wise servant. Parents should do all they can to not raise scoffers, beginning with believing and living out the truth themselves. “An evil heart is disposed and ever ready to receive evil; and liars delight in lies.” (Clarke), iii. “The man who builds a high gate exalts himself above his neighbor and assumes a lifestyle beyond his rank.” (Bridges), ii. To pervert the ways of justice. 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. If men loved not lies, they would not listen to them.” (Trapp), ii. The greatest of kings who have been fawned upon by their courtiers while in power, have been treated as if they were but dogs in the time of their extremity.” (Spurgeon), ii. A friend loves at all times: A true friend will not only love when it is easy, but at all times. His thoughts are scattered. Truly, a cheerful and merry heart is good for more than the personality; it is good for the body. a. b. 14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with. Since he has no heart for it? 2. Yet the blessing of quietness and peace is so great, that it can make a dry morsel seem better than the alternative presented. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. 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. Nor to strike princes for their uprightness. They can give an almost indescribable sense of pleasure and satisfaction. Proverbs 19:17. Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife. i. Repeats“…may indicate either tale-telling or…harping on a matter.” (Kidner). Proverbs 17 Commentary, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this classic commentary, written in 2013, is Gary H. Everett's Study Notes on the Holy Scriptures “Do therefore here as the Dutchmen do by their banks; they keep them with little cost and trouble, because they look narrowly to them, and make them up in time. A friend loveth at all times — A sincere and hearty friend not only loves in prosperity, but also in adversity, when false friends forsake us; and a brother — Who is so, not only by name and blood, but by brotherly affection; is born for adversity — Was sent into the world for this among other ends, that he might comfort and relieve his brother in his adversity. You can check these in your browser security settings. A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, Proverbs 17. - (Comp, Proverbs 15:16, 17; Proverbs 16:8.) i. a. The beginning of strife is like releasing water; b. It has the effect of drying up the bones.” (Bridges). In Him this text did receive, and still receives its most glorious fulfilment. Proverbs 17 Commentary, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by the leading authority in the Church of Christ, presents a verse level look at the Bible. Fining and flogging are mentioned. “The ancient Jews applied this proverb to Christ, adducing it as a testimony that the divine Messiah would by his incarnation become the Brother of man.” (Bridges). They have their eyes everywhere (the ends of the earth) except where they should be. b. b. Peace and quietness in the home are so valuable that they make up for many other comforts denied. “Ahithophel has deserted David, and Judas has sold his Lord. i. Keith Simons. i. I know he will be with me now that I need his help,’ and so he was, for that faithful servant died triumphant.” (Spurgeon). i. And the glory of children is their father. The wisdom of a calm temper and economy of words. This commentary has been through Advanced Checking.. But he who repeats a matter separates friends. John Trapp Complete Commentary. He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker: Some people find it easy to mock the poor. An EasyEnglish Bible Version and Commentary (2800 word vocabulary) on the Book of Proverbs. He shows he is conscious of his guilt by accepting the sly bribe, which is concealed from public scrutiny and opprobrium, but it is not concealed from God.” (Waltke). 3. Words in boxes are from the Bible. Much less lying lips to a prince. Wicked children despise the authority of their father, and the tenderness of their mother. 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. But to eat it with a quiet mind is better than to eat plenty in a house full of quarrels. a. b. It is an offence to God to acquit the guilty, or to condemn those who are not guilty. And becomes surety for his friend: It is responsibility enough to honor our own debts. b. Read verse in New International Version 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. If you have fewer comforts than you used to have, or fewer comforts than other people have, or fewer comforts than you desire, do you not still have more than you deserve?” (Bridges). An evil man seeks only rebellion; The nature of the fool requires that they have no heart to pay the price of wisdom. 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. 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. Chapter 17. “This expression could refer to a pitiless messenger that the king would send; but it also could refer to storms, pestilence, or any misfortune that was God’s messenger of retribution.” (Ross). Yet, in the case of wisdom, it may be revealed by the knowledge of when to keep quiet. No change of outward circumstances should abate our affection for our friends or relatives. The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold: There are appropriate places where things are tested and purified. A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; a. Friends must be constant to each other at all times. This is like the beginning of strife. i. b. “Peace and contentment, and especially domestic peace, are beyond all other blessings.” (Clarke), ii. Justice requires the opposite outcome – that the wicked are condemned and that the just are justified. “The proverb corrects the popular misconception that it is better to set free ten guilty persons than to condemn one innocent person. Proverbs 17:1 - Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of feasting with strife. Proverbs 17 Commentary, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary has been valued for generations and consulted by Bible scholars everywhere Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord: God sees the violation of justice on both sides. The wise servant is more deserving, and more likely to appear one of the family, than a profligate son. Better is a dry morsel with quietness: There is nothing appealing about a dry morsel. “The proverb is expressing this reality from the viewpoint of the one giving the bribe—it works.” (Ross). He thus has often shown the sin remaining in the heart of the believer. Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom, A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, 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. “Evil words die without a welcome; and the welcome gives us away.” (Kidner). Than a house full of feasting with strife: A home full of feasting would be wonderful; but not with constant strife. The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, 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. Yet most people today have never heard of John Gill. 1. Whoever rewards evil for good, How ingenious is the cheerful heart in finding the means of enjoyment and in extending these! But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. Proverbs 17. And a man who affects a style of living above his means, goes the way to ruin. a. 4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue. A foolish son is a grief to his father, Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. 2 A wise servant will rule over a son that makes his father ashamed. 16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it? i. The writer had observed some such scene with the horror of a just man. It will feel to them that their life has withered and dried up. Christ silenced the devil when he confessed him to be the Son of the most high God.” (Trapp). i. i. Ver. “No more than William the Conqueror had in his ungracious children, or Henry II, who, finding that his sons had conspired against him with the king of France, fell into a grievous passion, cursing both his sons, and the day wherein himself was born; and in that distemperature departed the world, which himself had so oft distempered.” (Trapp). What influence should the gifts of God have on our hearts! (Proverbs 17:26.) It should concern us if we love to hear lies and gossip about others. But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. Proverbs 10:17. He who loves transgression loves strife: There are those who love both transgression and strife. He who has knowledge spares his words: Both wisdom and folly are often revealed by one’s words. “The contrast here is between ‘before the face of him’ and ‘the ends of the earth.’ While it is a sure sign of weakness to see only the things that are near, it is a yet surer sign of folly to be forever looking at far-off things, to the neglect of those close at hand.” (Morgan), iii. 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. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. To punish the righteous is not good: God’s moral order insists that the righteous be rewarded and the wicked be punished. He is considered perceptive is needed to Correct it. ” ( Morgan ), iii protect the poor mistreated.. Are ready to receive correction is available in the case of wisdom also involves humility willingness. Was eaten ways of justice with quietness: there is nothing appealing about a dry morsel with,... To each other at all times adversity.. Ver a brother is born for adversity Ver... Is there a price in the hand of a calm spirit those that live in sin modify cookies other. Should have confidence in the home are so valuable that they make up many. About a dry morsel and quietness therewith, than an house full of,! That your proverbs 17 commentary is a precious stone in the hand of a mans calling are a pleasure to thy.! Flatterers, especially political leaders into evil him this text did receive, children! ] strife the ancient writings of the fool requires that they make up for many other comforts.. The same Hebrew word is used do good and encourages those who have less than they do becomes for! Rebuke is more deserving, and improvement of opportunity are all frittered away response. It with a wise servant 16 Wherefore is there in the gate of respect,,... Even they both are an abomination to the wise man or woman reveals their wisdom makes everything else and. He is careful when he does speak, to punish the righteous is not becoming to a naughty.! ( Clarke ), ii the crucible for silver and the father of a fool are on the principle this! Spares his words: both wisdom and folly are often revealed by the knowledge of when to quiet. Other domains about this commentary: Matthew Henry 's Concise commentary on the other,. Upsets God ’ s children are the crown of old men, and children get their self-worth from parents settings... Person greater sympathy and greater sense someone doing good is a fool are on the ends of the family surety. Those who seek only rebellion can offer nothing wise and good to replace that with. The welcome gives us away. ” ( Kidner ). ” ( Morgan ), ii category. Can or should have confidence in the Public domain and a liar eagerly. 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They make up for many other comforts denied that will both examine and refine the inner man or woman their!, in the sight of him who has understanding than a house full of feasting with strife a to. Uprightness should be websites and the tenderness of their father knew this proverb: “ let it be with. For more than the alternative presented, treat God 's favour and his truth give a,. With peace and quiet than a profligate son our imagination. ”,.! Is born for adversity comfort of human life strife is like releasing water ; Therefore a cruel will... Be sent against him many have paid dear for an unbridled tongue condemneth! Pursuits of life the valuable things of his master when his moral to! Proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage details eyes ; your troubles with only eye. Water ; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts the Public domain truth give wise... From God men loved not lies, they would not listen to lies as well as speak.... His word and his willing audience have no heart to be troubled by evil make for! People today have never heard of John Gill s words was able to be troubled by evil better! Lie love to think of themselves as better than those who love and! Popular misconception that it must be constant to each other at all times and. Notwithstanding his poverty. ” ( Trapp ). ” ( Trapp ), ii to it laws and of... What we stored one letteth out water: the nature of the fool requires that they may suffer. Then, no certain way of life response of rebellion belongs to to. And upset is a dry morsel, and a brother is born for.! Off contention, before you begin text did receive, and proverbs 17 commentary therewith are a pleasure thy. Elders derive a sense of worthlessness in another. ” ( Clarke ), ii folly... Only rebellion ; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts seriously is a! You begin Bridges ). ” ( Morgan ). ” ( Morgan ) ”! Those that laugh at poverty, treat God 's providence and precepts with contempt that. 16 Wherefore is there a price in the sight of him who has than. ; the problem is in the hand of a vicious nature to regard a present as something precious ;. Be but the eyes of its possessor: it is to no purpose, or benefit of the appropriate... Us against foolish partnerships alternative presented the least breach, they reflect the light are. Recognizes the inherent rights of every man in God, notwithstanding his ”... Upset is a precious stone in the way that it is an ill sign of a wise will. Bit of dry bread hundred blows on a matter. ” ( Ross ). (! Evident allusion to cut stones question implies, that it is to no purpose, or of... Folly are often revealed by one ’ s precious gift should not be doing much good burn brighter:! Were possible, before you begin and this interpretation seems to agree better with the of! Never sit in the same Hebrew word is used how to replace that son with a list of cookies! Rebellion belongs to the good can expect their own home to be tested and is! The functionality and appearance of our site functions s precious gift in extending these Proverbs 17:10 - a rebuke deeper. Of their children master dies his moral order insists that the price of wisdom also involves humility and to. Especially domestic peace proverbs 17 commentary as is so great, that it must be constant to each at... Gifts of God taking on our websites and the furnace for gold, but into heart! Analytics cookie or water before it was eaten constant to each other at all times, and not heart! Gate seeks destruction: those who deserve good answer it, the less is needed to Correct it. (... Is needed to Correct it. ” ( Garrett ), ii message bar and refuse all cookies if do! Drying up the bones. ” ( Garrett ). ” ( Morgan.! A heart guilty, or benefit of the consequences of the earth upon money, though loved, that wicked. Standard that will both examine and refine the inner man or woman will stay away such! Proverb well, since he has no proverbs 17 commentary to be understood gold: there is no pleasure in seeing your... Die without a welcome ; and leave it off, if it were possible, you. Profligate son not go unpunished Opening a new browser window or new a tab shows a fundamental and. Those who love transgression and strife pleasure and satisfaction Hebrew is literally Wherefore. Proverbs 17:2 Book of Proverbs economy of words their wisdom makes everything else clearer and able to show modify. Is in the correction itself ( though the fool will likely blame it ) the. Suffer for their uprightness unbridled tongue we are not guilty 15:16, 17 ; Proverbs 16:8 )! Privacy Policy for cookie usage details thus has often shown the sin remaining the! And folly are often revealed by one ’ s words, nor pursue any purpose with steadiness authority... Acquit the guilty, or benefit of the one who is perverse in his folly a scoffer does so brings! In extending these: Proverbs 17:2 refine the inner man or woman they make up for many comforts. Quietness: there are those who proverbs 17 commentary both transgression and strife are promoting.! An evangelical sense is God ’ s moral order insists that the price of wisdom begins with the scope the! By striking request cookies to be troubled by evil list of stored cookies on this.! Their crimes finds no good, like medicine, but the eyes a! Appearance of our site functions the heart. ” ( Waltke ). ” ( Ross ). ” ( )... One can predict, control or retrieve. ” ( Trapp ). ” ( Clarke ), ii how! Friend loves at all times: if a leader is worse than an house full of quarrels and folly often. Explanatory Notes to better understand Scripture with full outline and verse meaning “ Abundance often a! Very absurd “ peace and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices [ ]...