Proverbs 17
Lutheran reading notes
In Proverbs chapter 17, the wisdom literature continues to explore wisdom for righteous living and reverence for God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.
1
Better {is} a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices {with} strife. {sacrifices: or, good cheer}
Proverbs 17:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2
A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
Proverbs 17:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3
The fining pot {is} for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
Proverbs 17:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4
A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; {and} a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
Proverbs 17:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5
Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: {and} he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. {unpunished: Heb. held innocent}
Proverbs 17:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6
Children's children {are} the crown of old men; and the glory of children {are} their fathers.
Proverbs 17:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7
Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince. {Excellent...: Heb. A lip of excellency} {lying...: Heb. a lip of lying}
Proverbs 17:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
A gift {is as} a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. {a precious...: Heb. a stone of grace}
Proverbs 17:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth {very} friends. {seeketh: or, procureth}
Proverbs 17:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool. {entereth...: or, aweth more a wise man, than to strike a fool an hundred times}
Proverbs 17:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11
An evil {man} seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
Proverbs 17:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
Proverbs 17:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13
Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
Proverbs 17:13 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14
The beginning of strife {is as} when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
Proverbs 17:14 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15
He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both {are} abomination to the LORD.
Proverbs 17:15 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
16
Wherefore {is there} a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing {he hath} no heart {to it}?
Proverbs 17:16 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
17
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 17:17 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
18
A man void of understanding striketh hands, {and} becometh surety in the presence of his friend. {understanding: Heb. heart}
Proverbs 17:18 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
19
He loveth transgression that loveth strife: {and} he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
Proverbs 17:19 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
20
He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief. {He that hath a froward...: Heb. The froward of heart}
Proverbs 17:20 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
21
He that begetteth a fool {doeth it} to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
Proverbs 17:21 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
22
A merry heart doeth good {like} a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. {like: or, to}
Proverbs 17:22 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
23
A wicked {man} taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
Proverbs 17:23 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
24
Wisdom {is} before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool {are} in the ends of the earth.
Proverbs 17:24 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
25
A foolish son {is} a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
Proverbs 17:25 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
26
Also to punish the just {is} not good, {nor} to strike princes for equity.
Proverbs 17:26 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
27
He that hath knowledge spareth his words: {and} a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. {an...: or, a cool}
28
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: {and} he that shutteth his lips {is esteemed} a man of understanding.
Proverbs 17:28 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.