#oldtestament #proverbs #proverbs17 # Proverbs 17 > [!info] Table of Contents > [[#📜 Scripture Text (NET)]] [[#📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary]] [[#🧠 Chapter Summary]] [[#🔎 Key Observations / 🛟 Life Application]] [[#✍️ Key Verses to Remember]] [[#🔗 Related Passages]] [[#🙏 Devotional Reflection]] >[[Proverbs Overview]] --- ## 📜 Scripture Text Better a dry crust eaten in peace     than a house filled with feasting—and conflict. 2 A wise servant will rule over the master’s disgraceful son     and will share the inheritance of the master’s children. 3 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold,     but the Lord tests the heart. 4 Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip;     liars pay close attention to slander. 5 Those who mock the poor insult their Maker;     those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished. 6 Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged;     parents are the pride of their children. 7 Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool;     even less are lies fitting for a ruler. 8 A bribe is like a lucky charm;     whoever gives one will prosper! 9 Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,     but dwelling on it separates close friends. 10 A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding     than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool. 11 Evil people are eager for rebellion,     but they will be severely punished. 12 It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs     than to confront a fool caught in foolishness. 13 If you repay good with evil,     evil will never leave your house. 14 Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate,     so stop before a dispute breaks out. 15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent—     both are detestable to the Lord. 16 It is senseless to pay to educate a fool,     since he has no heart for learning. 17 A friend is always loyal,     and a brother is born to help in time of need. 18 It’s poor judgment to guarantee another person’s debt     or put up security for a friend. 19 Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin;     anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster. 20 The crooked heart will not prosper;     the lying tongue tumbles into trouble. 21 It is painful to be the parent of a fool;     there is no joy for the father of a rebel. 22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,     but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. 23 The wicked take secret bribes     to pervert the course of justice. 24 Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom,     but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth. 25 Foolish children bring grief to their father     and bitterness to the one who gave them birth. 26 It is wrong to punish the godly for being good     or to flog leaders for being honest. 27 A truly wise person uses few words;     a person with understanding is even-tempered. 28 Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent;     with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. --- ## 📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary Each verse is important. --- ## 🤔 Interesting Facts - Proverbs 17 values peace in the home over material wealth—“Better a dry crust with peace” (v. 1). - Verse 17—“A friend loves at all times”—is widely used in discussions on biblical friendship. - The chapter warns about gossip and strife, reinforcing social harmony as a virtue of wisdom. - Fools are described as needing physical punishment, reflecting ancient disciplinary practices. - Verse 22—“A cheerful heart is good medicine”—has been cited in modern wellness and counseling contexts. --- ## 🧠 Chapter Summary **Main Teaching**: Proverbs 17 highlights the value of peace, integrity, and wise speech. It warns against foolish behavior, conflict, and unjust actions, showing that character matters more than outward success or status. **How It Fits in Proverbs**: This chapter continues to emphasize the practical outworking of wisdom in everyday life—particularly in relationships, family dynamics, and emotional restraint. It reinforces Proverbs’ theme that true success is measured by righteousness. **Apologetic Insight**: Proverbs 17 affirms that inner character is more important than external achievements. It supports the biblical view that the heart is central to moral life, challenging cultural messages that prioritize performance over virtue. --- ## 🔎 Key Observations / 🛟 Life Application - 📌 Peace in the home is better than prosperity with strife. - 📌 A true friend loves at all times and is born for adversity. - 📌 Fools show their folly by speaking without understanding. #### Today, I can apply this chapter by: - ✅ Bring peace to your home by choosing calmness over conflict. - ✅ Refuse to repeat gossip or listen to it when others share it. - ✅ Show love to a friend who’s going through a hard time. - ✅ Practice contentment by being thankful for a quiet, ordinary day. - ✅ Don’t respond in anger today—pause and pray before reacting. --- ## ✍️ Key Verses to Remember **📖 Proverbs 17:17** “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” - **Why it matters**: True friendship and family loyalty are seen during hard times. This verse underscores the value of faithful relationships. --- ## 🔗 Related Passages - 🔗 Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” - 🔗 Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible… live at peace with everyone.” - 🔗 Proverbs 27:6 – “Wounds from a friend can be trusted…” (foreshadows this theme again later) --- ## 🙏 Devotional Reflection Write 3–6 sentences reflecting on: - How this chapter encourages your faith, - Convicts your heart, - Reveals God's character. Optional format: "In light of this chapter, I am challenged to..." or "I am comforted by..." --- ## 📂 Tags