Proverbs 17

Proverbs 17:7

Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

Men use to speak, as they are: a high, deep, philosophical discourse sounds ill from the mouth of a fool; a moral and grave discourse of virtue and good behaviour, ill becomes a debauched and vicious man; but, of all, it is most misbecoming a prince, to utter lies and falsehood.

Proverbs 17:8

A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

Secret gifts are wont to win favour, and much acceptation to the party that brings them; and if they fall into the hands of corrupt judges, have power to draw them into either part, and to sway any cause whatsoever. n 2

Proverbs 17:9

He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateeth very friends.

He, that concealeth within himself an offence done to him by his friend, takes a course to maintain love and friendship; but he, that will be calling every light unkindness into question, and expostulates upon every occasion, shall be sure to lose his friends.

Proverbs 17:14

The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water.

As it is with water, when it is dammed up, if the smallest hole be made for a passage, it violently rusheth in, and beareth down all those clods which were laid to keep it in; so it is with contention: if the least way be given to it, it enlargeth itself, and groweth furious and strong by opposition.

Proverbs 17:16

Wherefore is there a price in the hand of the fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart?

A wealthy fool doth in vain hope by all his bags to purchase wisdom, since he hath not a heart that is capable of it.

Proverbs 17:19

He that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.

The proud man, that builds his gate too high, for the offence or overlooking of his neighbour, may endanger himself the sorer fall therefrom; and therefore works peril and hurt to himself.

Proverbs 17:24

Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

He, that hath understanding, fixeth his eyes upon wisdom, and contenteth himself with that object; whereas the eyes of a fool are inconstantly wandering every where, and his thoughts settle upon nothing that may avail to his good.

Proverbs 17:27

A man of understanding is of an excellent (or cool) spirit.

A man of understanding is of a well tempered spirit; not too forward in putting forth himself.