Proverbs 17
OGCNOTICEABLE GROUPINGS IN CHAPTER 17
*Wisdom
A* servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, And shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren (Proverbs 17:2).
Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding (Proverbs 17:24).
He that spareth his words hath knowledge (Proverbs 17:27).
He that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding (Proverbs 17:27).
- Fools*
Excellent speech becometh not a fool (Proverbs 17:7).
A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding Than a hundred stripes into a fool (Proverbs 17:10).
Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly (Proverbs 17:12).
Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, Seeing he hath no understanding? (Proverbs 17:16).
He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow (Proverbs 17:21).
The father of a fool hath no joy (Proverbs 17:21).
The eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth (Proverbs 17:24).
A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her that bare him (Proverbs 17:25).
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace is counted wise; When he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent (Proverbs 17:28).
Strife
Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, Than a house full of feasting with strife (Proverbs 17:1).
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: Therefore leave off contention before there is quarrelling (Proverbs 17:14).
He loveth transgression that loveth strife (Proverbs 17:19).
Wicked
A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame (Proverbs 17:2).
An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; And a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue (Proverbs 17:4).
An evil man seeketh only rebellion (Proverbs 17:11).
A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice (Proverbs 17:23).
Evil speech
An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; And a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue (Proverbs 17:4).
Much less do lying lips a prince (Proverbs 17:7).
He that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends (Proverbs 17:9).
He that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief (Proverbs 17:20).
Bribes
A bribe is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it; Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth (Proverbs 17:8).
A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice (Proverbs 17:23).
Proverbs 17:1-10
CHAPTER 17 TEXT Proverbs 17:1-10
Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith,
Than a house full of feasting with strife.
A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame,
And shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren.
The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold;
But Jehovah trieth the hearts.
An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips;
And a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue.
Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker;
And he that is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.
Children’s children are the crown of old men;
And the glory of children are their fathers.
Excellent speech becometh not a fool;
Much less do lying lips a prince,
A bribe is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it;
Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love;
But he that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends.
A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding
Than a hundred stripes into a fool.
STUDY QUESTIONS OVER 17:1-10
What does quietness stand for in Proverbs 17:1?
Cite the two contrasts in Proverbs 17:2.
What does Jehovah do when He trieth the hearts (Proverbs 17:3)?
Why will a liar give heed to a mischievous tongue (Proverbs 17:4)?
What are some common examples of laughing at calamity (Proverbs 17:5)?
Reproacheth whose Maker (Proverbs 17:5)?
What is meant in Proverbs 17:6 by the glory of children are their fathers?
What is excellent speech (Proverbs 17:7)?
What does becometh mean in Proverbs 17:7?
What is the meaning of a bribe’s being a precious stone to its possessor (Proverbs 17:8)?
What is the it in Proverbs 17:8?
Covers his or somebody else’s transgression (Proverbs 17:9)?
What is harping on a matter (Proverbs 17:9)?
What will help a man if one hundred stripes won-’t (Proverbs 17:10)?
PARAPHRASE OF 17:1-10
A dry crust eaten in peace is better than steak every day along with argument and strife.
A wise slave will rule his master’s wicked sons and share their estate.
Silver and gold are purified by fire, but God purifies hearts.
The wicked enjoy fellowship with others who are wicked; liars enjoy liars.
Mocking the poor is mocking the God who made them. He will punish those who rejoice at others-’ misfortunes.
An old man’s grandchildren are his crowning glory. A child’s glory is his father.
Truth from a rebel or lies from a king are both unexpected.
A bribe works like magic. Whoever uses it will prosper!
Love forgets mistakes; nagging about them parts the best of friends.
A rebuke to a man of common sense is more effective than a hundred lashes on the back of a rebel.
COMMENTS ON 17:1-10
Proverbs 17:1. Because their bread was dry, they dipped it in water and other softening fluids (Rth 2:14; John 13:36). And having only a dry morsel to eat could be the sign of extreme poverty. So taken, the verse means that poverty and peace are to be preferred to prosperity and problems (such as strife). The rich have troubles and problems that the poor do not have. This statement should be a comfort to people who have only the barest of necessities. Proverbs 15:17 is very similar.
Proverbs 17:2. Pulpit Commentary: Here is intimated the supremacy of wisdom over folly and vise…Slaves were often raised to high honor and might inherit their master’s possessions. Thus Abraham’s servant…was at one time considered the patriarch’s heir (Genesis 15:2-3); Ziba, Saul’s servant, obtained the inheritance of his lord Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 16:4); Joseph was advanced to the highest post in Egypt. In European history when the sons of Clovis, king of the Franks, did not really care to rule but merely to enjoy the pleasures of the palace, they had mayors of the palace who did the actual ruling, and in time the mayors became the heirs of the throne itself. (For further reading consult the Merovingian and Carolingian dynasties in church history books or encyclopedias.) For a son that causeth shame, see Proverbs 10:5; Proverbs 19:26.
Proverbs 17:3. Just as men refine gold and silver (Proverbs 27:21), so does God refine men. Through the Word (John 15:3), but especially through chastening (Isaiah 48:10; Hebrews 12:11) and persecution (1 Peter 1:6-7; James 1:2-3; and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18), does He refine us. Malachi 3:2-3 aptly predicted this refining in the Christian dispensation.
Proverbs 17:4. It is common for perverse people to believe the wrong thing about others. They want to. They get enjoyment from it. They derive satisfaction in thinking the righteous are not really righteous. This verse is a case of Hebrew parallelism in which the second line restates the truth of the first statement. Thus the liar is the evil-doer, giveth ear is the same as giveth heed, and a mischievous tongue is the same as wicked lips The liar will have something more to lie about.
Proverbs 17:5. Proverbs 14:31 talked of oppressing the poor; this verse of mocking the poor. People mock the poor when they make fun of them, laugh at them, mimic them, and make life harder for them. God is the Maker of the poor as well as the rich (Proverbs 22:2); when we mock them, we mock Him; when we give to them, we are making a loan to the Lord (Proverbs 19:17). We should not be glad at any calamity, whether that calamity be poverty (as in this context) or any other. Job said he was free from this (Job 31:29), but Edom wasn-’t (Obadiah 1:12). God will punish us if we do (Proverbs 24:17).
Proverbs 17:6. When one’s own health begins to fail, and it seems there is less and less purpose for one’s earthly life, along come the births of grandchildren to inject a new dimension into one’s living. They crown one’s life near one’s bowing-out years. The last statement shows that good children not only respect their parents but actually glory in them. How they will brag about them (sometimes even exaggerate concerning what he can do, what he knows, how much money he has, etc.).
For the blessing that children can be, see Psalms 127:3-5; Psalms 128:3.
Proverbs 17:7. Excellent speech is speaking only the facts, speaking them at the right time, at the right place, to the right person, in the right spirit, and for the right purpose (to mention a few of its characteristics). As we don-’t expect good speech from a fool, neither should we expect bad speech from a ruler. It is a shame that so many of our present-day ruling-class, even though elected to their offices, are known for being politicians (policy-men) more than statesmen (doing what is right under all conditions).
Proverbs 17:8. The various translations face the problem of whether it should be bribe, gift, or stone of grace, and whether the it after whithersoever should be it or he. Of all the translations the New World gives as understandable a message on this verse as any: The gift is a stone winning favor in the eyes of its grand owner. Everywhere that he turns he has success. If the foregoing is correct, both Proverbs 18:16; Proverbs 19:6 verify the truth of its statement. If bribe is correct, Living Bible has, A bribe works like magic. Whoever uses it will prosper and it adds this footnote: This is a fact, but the writer strictly forbids this perversion of justice. See Proverbs 17:23
Proverbs 17:9. Septuagint: He who concealeth injuries seeketh friendship. One’s sense of love will cause him not to repeat many things he has heard, even if true, if they are not in the best interests of the one involved (Proverbs 10:12). Harping on a matter is just the opposite of concealing it, for it utilizes every opportunity to bring it up, to mention it, or to ramble on and on about it. This can be the end of friendship.
Proverbs 17:10. The contrast here does not mean to elevate rebuke (words of correction) and eliminate stripes (Physical punishments). It merely shows that some words do a wise man more good than stripes do a fool. What a pity that there are some whom neither words nor stripes will help! Peter was a man who was helped by rebuke, by both Jesus and Paul (Matthew 16:23; Matthew 26:75; Galatians 2:11-15).
Proverbs 17:11. An evil man is one who will not be guided and governed by that which is right. He is a law-breaker, both in heart and in act. He seeks only rebellion against properly constituted authority (parents, school, government, manners, etc.). He, thus, is a liability and not an asset. Because he will not obey, will not respect the rights and property of others, he is often confined in prison at a great outlay of citizens money. Better for society if he had never been born!
TEST QUESTIONS OVER 17:1-10
In Proverbs 17:1 a dry morsel stands in contrast with ……………… and quietness stands in contrast with ……………….
Cite instances illustrating the truth of Pro 17:2.
Men work at refining gold and silver; God works at refining …………………… (Proverbs 17:3).
Why do evil people give heed to wicked lips (Proverbs 17:3)?
Cite the three parallels in Proverbs 17:4.
Why is mocking the poor tantamount to mocking God Proverbs 17:5)?
What about being glad at others-’ calamities (Proverbs 17:5)?
What is a great blessing of old age (Proverbs 17:6)?
Comment on the fathers being the glory of children (Proverbs 17:6)?
What is the double contrast in Proverbs 17:7?
What is the problem of understanding Proverbs 17:8?
What will love cause one to do concerning the faults of others (Proverbs 17:9)?
Is Proverbs 17:10 a contrast between rebuking and whipping or what?
Proverbs 17:11-19
TEXT Proverbs 17:11-19
An evil man seeketh only rebellion;
Therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man,
Rather than a fool in his folly.
Whoso rewardeth evil for good,
Evil shall not depart from his house.
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water:
Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling.
He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous,
Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah.
Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom,
Seeing he hath no understanding?
A friend loveth at all times;
And brother is born for adversity.
A man void of understanding striketh hands,
And becometh surety in the presence of his neighbor.
He loveth transgression that loveth strife:
He that raiseth high his gate seeketh destruction.
STUDY QUESTIONS OVER 17:11-19
Rebellion against what (Proverbs 17:11)?
What is a whelp (Proverbs 17:12)?
Cite two Bible examples of people’s rewarding evil for good (Proverbs 17:13).
The lesson in Proverbs 17:14 is Don-’t begin …………… lest it lead to ……………
The wicked are to be …………., not …………….. (Proverbs 17:15).
The righteous are to be ………………, not ……………….. (Proverbs 17:15).
Cite two Bible examples of justifying the wicked (Proverbs 17:15).
Cite two Bible examples of condemning the righteous (Proverbs 17:15).
Is fool in Proverbs 17:16 one who is mentally deficient or one who does not use his head?
What kind of friends did the Prodigal Son have (Proverbs 17:17)?
What is surety (Proverbs 17:18)?
What is meant by raising high one’s gate (Proverbs 17:19)?
PARAPHRASE OF 17:11-19
The wicked live for rebellion! they shall be severely punished.
It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool caught in his folly.
If you repay evil for good, a curse is upon your home.
It is hard to stop a quarrel once it starts, so don-’t let it begin.
The Lord despises those who say that bad is good, and good is bad.
It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a rebel who has no heart for truth.
A true friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.
It is poor judgment to countersign another’s note, to become responsible for his debts.
Sinners love to fight; boasting is looking for trouble.
COMMENTS ON 17:11-19
Proverbs 17:11. The rebellion here under consideration was anarchy against the existing government. With the monarchical form of government of those days, this was common and accounted for may assassinations (see the Northern Kingdom history for numerous instances of this). When any such rebellion was detected, the rebellion was immediately put down (a cruel messenger shall be sent against him).
Proverbs 17:12. The fierceness of a bear who has lost her young (whelps) is also referred to in 2 Samuel 17:8 and Hosea 13:8. One who is unfortunate enough to come along to become involved in some fool’s folly may suffer all the way from embarrassment to being murdered. Thus, one may have his car pelted by rock-throwing children as he drives by, his tires slashed because he lives in a neighborhood of no-goods, or his life taken by hoodlums who kill him to see what he had in his billfold.
Proverbs 17:13. It is contrary to nature (an extreme wrong) to reward evil for good. It is bad enough not to receive thanks from those helped, but it is even worse for the blessed to repay evil to the giver of good. When this occurs, the promise is that evil will abide upon such a one and his house. Instances of repaying good with evil: 1 Samuel 25:21; Psalms 109:4-5; Jeremiah 18:20.
Proverbs 17:14. Clarke: As soon as the smallest breach is made in the dike or dam, the water begins to press from all parts towards the breach; the resistance becomes too great to be successfully opposed, so the dikes and all are speedily swept away. Such is the beginning of contentions, quarrels, lawsuits, etc. Pulpit Commentary also interprets the statement as when one letteth out water. It is possible, though, that the expression referred to is the plain type of talk that they used in those days, talk that our society does not look upon as acceptable. Regardless of the figure and its interpretation, its application is unquestioned: cut off strife before it gets started.
Proverbs 17:15. In God’s books the wicked are to be condemned and the righteous commended (Matthew 25:34-36; Matthew 25:41-43 and many, many others). Proverbs 17:26 of this chapter says, To punish the righteous is not good, Nor to smite the noble for their uprightness. Exodus 23:7: The innocent and righteous slay thou not; for I will not justify the wicked. Proverbs 24:24: He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous, People shall curse him, nations shall abhor him. Isaiah 5:20: Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil.
Proverbs 17:16. Why pay out money for books and then not read, study, or use them? Why pay tuition fees to go to school when one does not really want to study and learn? Pulpit Commentary: A fool thinks that there is a royal road to wisdom, and that it, like other things, is to be purchased with money. One who has a heart for learning will treasure and value every opportunity for learning (books, lectures, films, travel, etc.), such as Abraham Lincoln, and they rise on the wings of acquired knowledge and bless others with the knowledge they have gained. But pupils are not all students, teachers soon discover.
Proverbs 17:17. A friend is one who loves. A true friend loves at all times, even in times of adversities and reverses and health-failures. They are contrasted with fair-weather friends such as the Prodigal Son had (Luke 15:13-16; Luke 15:30). Ruth represents inseparable love (Rth 1:16). David and Jonathan also (1 Samuel 18:1; 1 Samuel 18:4; 2 Samuel 1:26). Brothers may live at a distance and not get to see each other very often, but times of adversity bring them together to help each other. Proverbs 18:24 speaks of the friend that is even closer to us than a brother.
Proverbs 17:18. Clarke: Striking each other’s hands, or shaking hands, was anciently the form in concluding a contract. This was just as binding as our signing our names to a contract today. Surety was when one obligated himself for the debts of others. Proverbs gives strong warnings against this (Proverbs 6:1-2; Proverbs 11:15).
Proverbs 17:19. One who loves strife must love transgression for strife produces many violations of God’s law (such as jealousies, envyings, evil surmisings, hatreds, anger, malice, evil speaking, etc.). Such is carnality: Ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you jealousy and strife, are ye not carnal, and do ye not walk after the manner of man? (1 Corinthians 3:3). James 3:16: Where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed. Pulpit Commentary on exalting one’s gate and its consequent destruction: He who builds a sumptuous house and lives in a way that his magnificent surroundings demand draws ruin on himself…The entrance to a Palestine house would usually be of humble dimensions and sparse ornamentation; any doorway of great architectural pretensions would be uncommon, and would be regarded as a token of extraordinary wealth or reprehensible pride…which he is unable to support or…provoke reprisals and injurious consequences. A saying: One who makes an unusual success in life makes many false friends and true enemies. Build something great, and the world will not only notice it, but someone will try to destroy it. See Proverbs 16:18 also.
TEST QUESTIONS OVER 17:11-19
What kind of rebellion does Proverbs 17:11 have particularly in mind?
What existing form of government made that a rather common occurrence (Proverbs 17:11)?
What fierce animal is better to run into than a fool in his folly (Proverbs 17:12)?
What are some examples of personal danger involved in meeting a fool in his folly (Proverbs 17:12)?
What two possibilities are there for the expression, as when one letteth out water (Proverbs 17:14)?
What is the lesson of Pro 17:14?
Why does God pronounce a woe upon any who condemn the righteous and commend the unrighteous (Proverbs 17:15)?
Why does an opportunity for learning sometimes not profit a person (Proverbs 17:16)?
What is the difference between a true friend and a fair-weather friend (Proverbs 17:17)?
If brothers don-’t get together often, when are they the most apt to get together (Proverbs 17:17)?
What warnings does Proverbs give about surety (Proverbs 17:18)?
What are some of the transgressions that grow out of strife (Proverbs 17:18)?
Why does exalting one’s gate often lead to destruction even in this life (Proverbs 17:18)?
Proverbs 17:20-28
TEXT Proverbs 17:20-28
He that hath a wayward heart findeth no good;
And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow;
And the father of a fool hath no joy.
A cheerful heart is a good medicine;
But a broken spirit drieth up the bones.
A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom,
To pervert the ways of justice.
Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding;
But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
A foolish son is a grief to his father,
And bitterness to her that bare him.
Also to punish the righteous is not good,
Nor to smite the noble for their uprightness.
He that spareth his words hath knowledge;
And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace is counted wise;
When he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent.
STUDY QUESTIONS OVER 17:20-28
What is a wayward Heart in Proverbs 17:20?
What does fool mean in Proverbs 17:21?
How can one’s attitude affect one’s health (Proverbs 17:22)?
What is meant by out of the bosom (Proverbs 17:23)?
Apply the last statement of Pro 17:24 to the Prodigal Son.
A foolish son is what two things to his parents (Proverbs 17:25)?
Cite Bible instances of smiting the noble or punishing the righteous (Proverbs 17:26).
What does it mean to spare his words (Proverbs 17:27)?
What does holding one’s peace mean (Proverbs 17:28)?
PARAPHRASE OF 17:20-28
An evil man is suspicious of everyone and tumbles into constant trouble.
It’s no fun to be a rebel’s father.
A cheerful heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit makes one sick.
It is wrong to accept a bribe to twist justice.
Wisdom is the main pursuit of sensible men, but a fool’s goals are at the end of the earth!
A rebellious son is a grief to his father and bitter blow to his mother.
How short-sighted to fine the godly for being good! And to punish nobles for being honest!
27, 28.
The man of few words and settled mind is wise; therefore, even a fool is thought to be wise when he is silent. It pays him to keep his mouth shut.
COMMENTS ON 17:20-28
Proverbs 17:20. Another case of Hebrew parallelism in which the second statement is a restatement of the first, using different words. A wayward heart and a perverse tongue are two liabilities. The wayward heart is one that wandered out of the path that God has intended; it will find no good (no blessing from God), It is not pure so it will not see God (Matthew 5:8). It does not think upon the things listed in Philippians 4:8 so it will not know the peace that Philippians 4:7 mentions. Look at Jeremiah 17:9‘S description of the wayward heart. The perverse tongue is perverted; that is, it is speaking contrary to God’s intentions for it. Such will get itself and others into much mischief and wrong-doing, See James 3:6; James 3:8 for the evil that the perverse tongue can cause.
Proverbs 17:21. The behavior of one’s children can greatly affect his own future happiness or sorrow (Proverbs 17:25; Proverbs 10:1; Proverbs 19:13). Think of the sorrow that Cain brought to Adam and Eve by killing Abel, that Absalom brought to his father David when he tried to steal his throne, and that Hophni and Phinehas brought to their priestly father Eli.
Proverbs 17:22. Those who have cheerful hearts and bright outlooks upon life have a physical blessing of health that others do not know. On the other hand nothing has such a direct tendency to ruin health and waste out life as grief, anxiety, fretfulness, bad tempers, etc. All these work death (Clarke). Other passages: Proverbs 12:25; Proverbs 15:13; Proverbs 15:15.
Proverbs 17:23. Clarke: Above their girdles the Asiatics carry their purses. A wicked (not a righteous) man receives a bribe and perverts justice as a result. This was forbidden in Exodus 23:8. If officials are not to receive them, we should not give them in our desire to get some kind of preferential treatment.
Proverbs 17:24. The contrast between the fool and the one with understanding in this verse is that the fool’s eyes are a long way off (to the ends of the earth), but the wise man sees wisdom right where he is. The fool misses the opportunities at hand and is always supposing that somewhere else, something else, is really better. An old saying: A rolling stone gathers no moss, meaning that one who is always moving about and not settled down will not accumulate much nor accomplish much. Remember the Prodigal Son in this connection (Luke 15)? See Proverbs 6:11 also.
Proverbs 17:25. Proverbs 17:21 spoke of the sorrow that a fool brings to his father. This verse speaks of the grief and bitterness he brings to both his parents. It is a tragedy when a son brings grief instead of joy to his father, and when he brings bitterness instead of satisfaction to his mother. But children must be reared and trained, not merely begotten and born. Similar passages: Proverbs 10:1; Proverbs 15:20; Proverbs 19:13.
Proverbs 17:26. See Proverbs 17:15, also Proverbs 18:5. This represents corruption in government, a perversion of justice. God has ordained government, and He says, Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same (Romans 13:3). Both Jesus and Paul were smitten when innocent (Matthew 26:67; Acts 23:1-2).
Proverbs 17:27. Pulpit Commentary: He shows his common sense, not by rash talk or saying all he knows, but by restraining his tongue. We are to be slow to speak (James 1:19). In the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression; But he that refraineth his lips doeth wisely (Proverbs 10:19). Cool spirit means not losing one’s temper and is parallel to slow to wrath (James 1:19) and is praised in Proverbs 16:32 (He that ruleth his spirit). This verse teaches us the wisdom of both not being too talkative and not losing one’s temper.
Proverbs 17:28. This verse continues the thoughts begun in Proverbs 17:27. Ecclesiastes 5:3 connects a fool’s voice with the multitude of words. Job exclaimed to his rash critics, Oh that ye would altogether hold your peace! And it would be your wisdom (Job 13:5). An old saying: Be silent, and they will think you are a fool; speak, and they will know it. Occasionally you will get acquainted with a fool who does not advertise it with his speech; it was his lack of talkativeness that caused you to think of him as a normal person until you got better acquainted with him.
TEST QUESTIONS OVER 17:20-28
What two things are condemned in Proverbs 17:20?
How do they get their owner into trouble (Proverbs 17:20)?
Cite some Bible examples of sons who brought grief to their parents (Proverbs 17:21).
What is said to be a good medicine that does not come from the store (Proverbs 17:22)?
What two people sin when a bribe is given (Proverbs 17:23)?
What is the contrast in Proverbs 17:24?
Give another passage that tells of the grief that children can bring to their parents (Proverbs 17:25).
Cite a Bible example of one being smitten who was upright (Proverbs 17:26).
Does the Bible commend or condemn talkativeness (Proverbs 17:27)?
What does Proverbs 17:27 say about one who has a cool spirit?
By what means is a fool sometimes counted among the wise (Proverbs 17:28)?