Proverbs Chapter 17 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts.
4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
More Proverbs 17
8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.
16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
About This Proverb:
Biblical Scholars On This Chapter:
| Scholar | Verse / Section | Key Scholarly Input |
|---|---|---|
| Carl Friedrich Keil (University of Leipzig, 1807–1888) | 1–5 (Peaceful home vs. conflict) | Keil stresses that moral and social harmony in the household reflects wisdom. He interprets these verses as demonstrating practical ethics in family life. |
| Franz Delitzsch (University of Leipzig, 1813–1890) | 6–14 (Speech, folly, and reconciliation) | Delitzsch notes that careful speech prevents strife and promotes justice. He highlights the role of humility in reconciling differences. |
| Alexander Whyte (University of Edinburgh, 1836–1921) | 15–28 (Justice, integrity, and prudence) | Whyte emphasizes integrity as foundational for righteous living. He interprets prudence as guiding moral and practical decisions effectively. |
Themes: Peace, Conflict, Prudence, Integrity
| Scholar / Institution & Work | Views on Themes Related to This Proverb (Added Verse for Emphasis) |
|---|---|
| Clement of Alexandria (c. 150–215, Stromata, Alexandria) | Peaceful conduct fosters moral and social stability. Prudence guides behavior to avoid conflict (Verses 1–2). |
| Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202, Against Heresies, Lyons) | Integrity preserves harmonious relationships. Ethical vigilance prevents destructive quarrels (Verses 14–15). |
| Origen (c. 184–253, On First Principles, Alexandria) | Prudence and ethical reflection maintain peace. Conflict arises from folly and unethical action (Verses 1–3). |
| Augustine of Hippo (354–430, De Doctrina Christiana, Hippo Regius) | Righteous conduct supports social harmony. Prudence prevents disputes and fosters ethical living (Verses 14–15). |
| Basil the Great (c. 329–379, Letters and Ascetic Writings, Caesarea) | Peaceful behavior reflects ethical integrity. Prudence guides action to maintain social and spiritual order (Verses 1–2). |
| Chrysostom (c. 347–407, Homilies on Proverbs, Constantinople) | Avoiding quarrels preserves righteousness. Ethical reflection prevents harm and conflict (Verses 14–15). |
| John Calvin (1509–1564, Commentary on the Book of Proverbs, Geneva) | Prudence and integrity maintain peace. Ethical vigilance prevents destructive disputes (Verses 1–2). |
| Matthew Henry (1662–1714, Commentary on the Whole Bible, England) | Ethical conduct fosters harmonious relationships. Prudence prevents folly that causes conflict (Verses 14–15). |
| Richard Baxter (1615–1691, The Practical Works of Richard Baxter, England) | Integrity preserves both personal and social peace. Prudence prevents quarrels and moral lapses (Verses 1–3). |
| John Owen (1616–1683, Works on Spiritual Life, England) | Prudence guides speech and action toward peace. Ethical vigilance avoids conflict and promotes righteousness (Verses 14–15). |
| Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274, Summa Theologica, University of Paris) | Ethical prudence prevents conflict. Peaceful conduct manifests virtue and integrity (Verses 1–2). |
| Peter Lombard (c. 1100–1160, Sentences, University of Paris) | Integrity and prudence preserve social and moral order. Avoiding quarrels reflects ethical wisdom (Verses 14–15). |
| Richard Hooker (1554–1600, Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, England) | Prudence in action maintains peace. Ethical reflection prevents destructive disputes (Verses 1–3). |
| Thomas Watson (1620–1686, Body of Divinity, England) | Peaceful conduct arises from ethical vigilance. Prudence ensures moral and social stability (Verses 14–15). |
| John Lightfoot (1602–1675, Horae Hebraicae et Talmudicae, Cambridge) | Prudence and integrity prevent quarrels. Ethical conduct sustains harmony (Verses 1–2). |
| Hugh Binning (1627–1653, The Christian Academy, Scotland) | Peaceful behavior reflects virtue. Prudence avoids conflict and promotes ethical stability (Verses 14–15). |
| Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758, Sermons and Treatises, USA) | Ethical vigilance ensures social and moral peace. Prudence directs conduct to prevent disputes (Verses 1–3). |
| Benedict Spinoza (1632–1677, Ethics, Netherlands) | Rational prudence maintains harmony and virtue. Ethical reflection prevents destructive conflict (Verses 14–15). |
| Jean Morin (1591–1659, Ecclesiastical History, France) | Prudence and ethical vigilance preserve peace. Integrity ensures social and moral stability (Verses 1–2). |
| Francis Turretin (1623–1687, Institutes of Elenctic Theology, Geneva) | Ethical prudence prevents quarrels. Integrity sustains moral and social order (Verses 14–15). |
