Sign In / Register

Proverbs 17

Try The Transcriber's Bible

Experience better Bible study with Volume 21 of The Transcriber's Bible, which contains Proverbs.

Be sure to order the version designed for the way that God made you. Books are available in right and left-handed versions!

Friendship and Folly

Better is a dry morsel with quietness,
than a house full of feasting with strife.
A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame,
and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers.
The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold,
but Yahweh tests the hearts.
An evildoer heeds wicked lips.
A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker.
He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.
Children’s children are the crown of old men;
the glory of children is their parents.
Excellent speech isn’t fitting for a fool,
much less do lying lips fit a prince.
A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it;
wherever he turns, he prospers.
He who covers an offense promotes love;
but he who repeats a matter separates best friends.
10 A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding
than a hundred lashes into a fool.
11 An evil man seeks only rebellion;
therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
12 Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man,
rather than a fool in his folly.
13 Whoever rewards evil for good,
evil shall not depart from his house.
14 The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam,
therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.
15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous,
both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.
16 Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom,
since he has no understanding?
17 A friend loves at all times;
and a brother is born for adversity.
18 A man void of understanding strikes hands,
and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor.
19 He who loves disobedience loves strife.
One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.
20 One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity,
and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.
21 He who becomes the father of a fool grieves.
The father of a fool has no joy.
22 A cheerful heart makes good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
23 A wicked man receives a bribe in secret,
to pervert the ways of justice.
24 Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding,
but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son brings grief to his father,
and bitterness to her who bore him.
26 Also to punish the righteous is not good,
nor to flog officials for their integrity.
27 He who spares his words has knowledge.
He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.
28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise.
When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.

Study Questions for Proverbs 17

Signed in users have access to interactive study questions and other community features. Please sign in / register now.