Proverbs 17 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

17:1

sacrifices — or, “feasts” made with part of them (compare Proverbs 7:14; Leviticus 2:3; Leviticus 7:31).

with — literally, “of.”

strife — its product, or attendant.

17:2

(Compare Proverbs 14:35).

causeth shame — (Proverbs 10:5).

shall inheritance — that is, share a brother‘s part (compare Numbers 27:4, Numbers 27:7).

17:3

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

17:4

Wicked doers and speakers alike delight in calumny.

17:5

(Compare Proverbs 14:31).

glad at calamities — rejoicing in others‘ evil. Such are rightly punished by God, who knows their hearts.

17:6

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

17:7

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

17:8

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

17:9

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

17:10

Reproof more affects the wise than severe scourging, fools.

17:11

Such meet just retribution (1 Kings 2:25).

a cruel messenger — one to inflict it.

17:12

They are less rational in anger than wild beasts.

17:13

(Compare Psalm 7:4; Psalm 35:12).

evil — injury to another (Proverbs 13:21).

17:14

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.

17:15 Lord — as reversing His method of acting (Proverbs 3:32; Proverbs 12:2).17:16

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

17:17

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.

17:18

(Compare Proverbs 6:1-5; Proverbs 11:15).

in the presence, etc. — that is, he either fails to consult his friend, or to follow his advice.

17:19

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,” Proverbs 8:36).

17:20

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

17:21

(Compare Proverbs 23:24). Different words are rendered by “fool,” both denoting stupidity and impiety.

17:22

(Compare Proverbs 14:30; Proverbs 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.

17:23

a gift bosom — Money and other valuables were borne in a fold of the garment, called the bosom.

to pervert — that is, by bribery.

17:24

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

17:25

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

17:26

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

17:27-28

Prudence of speech is commended as is an excellent or calm spirit, not excited to vain conversation.