Proverbs 17

17:2 Wisdom is so much more important than privilege that if children act like fools, a wise servant will rise to prominence over the household.

17:3 The Lord’s refining fire (see Ps 66:10; Jer 9:7; Mal 3:2-3) separates what is precious from the impurities in a person’s heart (cp. Prov 16:2; 21:2; 27:21).

17:4 Lies (6:16-19; 14:5, 25; 25:18), gossip (11:13; 18:8), and slander (10:18) distort reality for malicious purposes.

17:5 To make fun of what God created is to mock God.

17:6 Only those who have been blessed with a long life live to become grandparents, and the continuation of the family line is a sign of God’s blessing (see Gen 12:1-3). • parents: Literally fathers. This proverb applies to both fathers and mothers.

17:9 Maintaining a good relationship with another person means forgiving rather than dwelling on faults.

17:10 The wise will listen to a mild rebuke and act on good advice. Even harsh correction (a hundred lashes) will not change a fool.

17:11 Rebellion flows from the inner character of evil people who defy the punishment that will follow.

17:12 This saying cautions those who try to teach fools. A fool caught in foolishness will react with anger and violence.

17:14 opening a floodgate: Once a quarrel starts, it is very difficult to stop it; a dispute should be avoided if at all possible (see 10:12; 15:18; 16:28; 20:3; 22:10; 26:21).

17:18 The essence of this message is repeated in 6:1-5; 11:15; 20:16; 22:26; 27:13.

17:19 high walls: Foolish confidence in the ability to win a fight emboldens people to engage in disastrous arguments.

17:24 Wisdom is not a natural quality but must be pursued. Sensible people persistently cultivate wisdom, but a fool’s eyes cannot stay focused.

17:25 Foolish children: This proverb is equally true of sons and daughters.