Proverbs 17

(Compare Pro 14:35). causeth shame-- (Pro 10:5). shall . . . inheritance--that is, share a brother's part (compare Num 27:4, Num 27:7).

God only knows, as He tries (Psa 12:6; Psa 66:10) the heart.

Wicked doers and speakers alike delight in calumny.

(Compare Pro 14:31). glad at calamities--rejoicing in others' evil. Such are rightly punished by God, who knows their hearts.

Prolonged posterity is a blessing, its cutting off a curse (Pro 13:22; Psa 109:13-15), hence children may glory in virtuous ancestry.

Excellent speech--(Compare Margin). Such language as ill suits a fool, as lying (ought to suit) a prince (Pro 16:12-13).

One so corrupt as to take a bribe evinces his high estimate of it by subjection to its influence (Pro 18:16; Pro 19:6).

seeketh love--(Compare Margin). The contrast is between the peace-maker and tale-bearer.

Reproof more affects the wise than severe scourging, fools.

Such meet just retribution (Kg1 2:25). a cruel messenger--one to inflict it.

They are less rational in anger than wild beasts.

(Compare Psa 7:4; Psa 35:12). evil--injury to another (Pro 13:21).

letteth . . . water--as a breach in a dam. before . . . meddled with--before strife has become sharp, or, by an explanation better suiting the figure, before it rolls on, or increases.

abomination . . . Lord--as reversing His method of acting (Pro 3:32; Pro 12:2).

Though wealth cannot buy wisdom for those who do not love it, yet wisdom procures wealth (Pro 3:16; Pro 14:24).

To the second of these parallel clauses, there is an accession of meaning, that is, that a brother's love is specially seen in adversity.

(Compare Pro 6:1-5; Pro 11:15). in the presence, &c.--that is, he either fails to consult his friend, or to follow his advice.

strife--contention is, and leads to, sin. he that exalteth his gate--gratifies a vain love of costly building. seeketh--or, "findeth," as if he sought (compare "loveth death," Pro 8:36).

The second clause advances on the first. The ill-natured fail of good, and the cavilling and fault-finding incur evil.

(Compare Pro 23:24). Different words are rendered by "fool," both denoting stupidity and impiety.

(Compare Pro 14:30; Pro 15:13). The effect of the mind on the body is well known. medicine--or, "body," which better corresponds with "bone." drieth--as if the marrow were exhausted.

a gift . . . bosom--Money and other valuables were borne in a fold of the garment, called the bosom. to pervert--that is, by bribery.

Wisdom . . . him--ever an object of regard, while a fool's affections are unsettled.

a grief--or cross, vexation (compare Pro 17:21; Pro 10:1).

Also--that is, Equally to be avoided are other sins: punishing good subjects, or resisting good rulers.

Prudence of speech is commended as is an excellent or calm spirit, not excited to vain conversation. Next: Proverbs Chapter 18