Proverbs Chapter 17
Wisdom, Justice, and Family
Proverbs 17:1
“Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.”
There is little that seems appealing about a dry morsel of food, yet Solomon declares that even this small portion, when accompanied by quietness and peace, is better than a great feast in a home filled with conflict. Peace and contentment in the household are worth far more than material abundance. True joy does not come from wealth or outward comfort, but from inward harmony and godly relationships. As Clarke observed, “Peace and contentment, and especially domestic peace, are beyond all other blessings.” Even when we have fewer comforts than before, or less than others, the believer should remember that peace with God and family far outweighs the pleasures of plenty. Bridges wisely notes that if one has less than desired, he still has far more than he deserves.
Solomon contrasts this with a house “full of sacrifices” or feasting accompanied by strife. The image is of a wealthy household where abundance becomes the breeding ground for contention. A great meal loses its delight when the atmosphere is poisoned by arguments, envy, or pride. Waltke observes that the comparison is between a meager meal of dry bread enjoyed in peace and a royal banquet filled with quarrels. Abundance often exposes the heart, bringing moral decay and strife where humility and gratitude should dwell. Ross notes that prosperity can lead to “a deterioration of moral and ethical standards as well as an increase in envy and strife.” True contentment, therefore, is not found in what we possess but in how we live before God.
Proverbs 17:2
“A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.”
Wisdom often overturns the expectations of society. Naturally, one would assume that a son inherits authority and blessing within a family. Yet Solomon teaches that wisdom is more valuable than birthright. A wise servant, because of his faithful conduct and prudent character, may be elevated to rule over a son who brings shame. This is a reminder that divine favor and human responsibility outweigh mere position or privilege. God values integrity and wisdom, not lineage. When a son acts wickedly or foolishly, God may choose to honor the servant who is faithful and wise instead.
This truth also carries a warning: being born into privilege is no guarantee of success or honor. God can, and often does, promote those who demonstrate righteousness and discernment, even if they were once considered “servants.” As Waltke remarks, “Contrary to judicial law and custom, one’s virtue, not the privilege of birth, ultimately counts for more in social and economic standing.” The Lord delights in exalting the humble and bringing low the proud, showing that wisdom and faithfulness are the true foundations of blessing.
Proverbs 17:3
“The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts.”
Just as precious metals are refined by heat to remove their impurities, so the Lord refines and tests the hearts of men. The crucible and furnace serve as tools of purification for silver and gold, yet the heart of man can only be tested by God Himself. Trials, pressures, and circumstances reveal what lies within, but it is God who oversees the process and ensures the result produces holiness rather than destruction.
Morgan points out two essential truths from this proverb: first, the heart cannot be purified by any force other than that of God; second, the Lord indeed does test the heart. Fire reveals the quality of metal, and divine testing reveals the quality of faith. Trapp insightfully adds that God tries us so that we may know what is in us, what dross remains, and what pure metal abides, so that we may glorify Him “in the very fires.” As Isaiah 24:15 declares, “Wherefore glorify ye the Lord in the fires, even the name of the Lord God of Israel in the isles of the sea.” The refining of the heart is not a punishment but a mercy, drawing the believer closer to holiness and dependence upon the Lord.
Proverbs 17:4
“A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.”
The wicked man is naturally inclined toward deception. He not only spreads lies but also delights in hearing them. The evildoer welcomes slander and falsehood, for his heart resonates with corruption. Trapp notes that “it is an ill sign of a vicious nature to be apt to believe scandalous reports of godly men.” When one enjoys hearing malicious gossip or untruths, it exposes a deeper evil within. Clarke adds, “An evil heart is disposed and ever ready to receive evil; and liars delight in lies.”
The proverb also links the liar and the slanderer together in their shared delight for wickedness. The liar listens eagerly to the “naughty tongue,” taking pleasure in deceit as though it were entertainment. Waltke observes that “both the liar and his willing audience have no taste for truth.” Garrett further warns that “taking gossip seriously is itself a form of malice practiced by those who have no respect for the truth.” Gossip and deceit thrive because they find willing ears to receive them. Evil words die without a welcome, and those who give them hospitality reveal their own corruption, as Kidner rightly notes: “Evil words die without a welcome; and the welcome gives us away.”
Proverbs 17:5
“He that mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.”
Mocking the poor is an act of arrogance and rebellion against God Himself. The poor are not lesser beings, but fellow image-bearers created by the same Maker. When a man mocks another for his poverty, he insults the wisdom and providence of God who sovereignly orders the circumstances of all. It is not merely unkindness toward man, but blasphemy toward the Creator who made both rich and poor. The Lord allows both to exist for His purposes, often to reveal humility, compassion, and dependence upon Him. Morgan rightly observes, “The first part of this proverb does not teach, as is so often stated, that poverty is from God. Rather, it recognizes the inherent rights of every man in God, notwithstanding his poverty.” To reproach the poor, then, is to reproach God’s work, and to place oneself in the dangerous position of divine disapproval.
The second half of the proverb warns that “he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.” Rejoicing in another’s suffering is evidence of a heart void of mercy and love. It reveals a deep moral corruption that delights in destruction rather than compassion. Clarke wisely writes, “He who is pleased to hear of the misfortune of another will, in the course of God's just government, have his own multiplied.” God’s justice ensures that such cruelty will not go unanswered. Trapp records that many through history have rejoiced in the persecution and death of the righteous, only to have judgment fall swiftly upon them. The Lord who defends the oppressed will not remain silent against those who take pleasure in their pain.
Proverbs 17:6
“Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.”
Grandchildren are a special reward from God, a “crown” upon the heads of the aged. They symbolize the continuation of a godly heritage and the fulfillment of legacy. For the righteous, to see one’s descendants walking in truth and faithfulness is among the greatest earthly joys. Waltke pictures grandchildren “gathered around the aged parent like a crowning diadem,” representing honor, fulfillment, and divine blessing. Proverbs here reminds the elder generation that the beauty of life’s later years comes not from wealth or power but from the faithful generations that follow in righteousness.
Likewise, “the glory of children are their fathers.” A child’s sense of identity and worth often flows from the character and honor of his father. When a father walks with God, lives righteously, and leads his household in wisdom, his children rightly take pride in him. Garrett insightfully notes that this proverb expresses “the profound interdependence of the generations.” The honor of one generation affects the dignity and stability of the next. When this relationship is broken by neglect, sin, or rebellion, the result is shame and confusion. Kidner points to the tragic examples of Isaiah 3:5, Micah 7:6, and 2 Timothy 3:2–4, where families become fractured and hostile, losing the fruit of love and honor that God intended. Therefore, this proverb calls both generations to mutual respect: parents must live worthy of their children’s admiration, and children must treat their parents as their glory and crown.
Proverbs 17:7
“Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.”
Wisdom and foolishness both reveal themselves through speech. When a fool utters “excellent speech,” it feels unnatural and unfitting, for the fool’s life does not match his words. It is not that good speech is unwelcome, but that hypocrisy makes it hollow. A fool may occasionally say something wise, but it carries no weight because his conduct contradicts it. Trapp remarks, “God likes not fair words from a foul mouth. Christ silenced the devil when he confessed him to be the Son of the most high God.” A fool speaking wisdom is as strange as darkness giving light.
The contrast is heightened in the second clause: “much less do lying lips a prince.” If wisdom is unbefitting for fools, then falsehood is utterly disgraceful for rulers. Leaders are called to embody integrity; when they lie, they betray the very foundation of their authority. Truthfulness is the crown jewel of leadership, and deceit destroys trust. Ross summarizes well, “A dishonest leader is worse than an arrogant fool.” God holds rulers accountable for truth, for their words carry power over nations and souls. Therefore, the proverb exalts both honesty in leadership and consistency between speech and character in all men.
Proverbs 17:8
“A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.”
This proverb reflects the powerful influence of gifts—whether given as presents or, more dubiously, as bribes. To the giver, a gift seems like a precious stone, gleaming with potential to accomplish his purpose. The Hebrew phrasing suggests that the “precious stone” sparkles from every angle, much as the giver imagines his gift will open doors or win favor. Ross notes that “the proverb is expressing this reality from the viewpoint of the one giving the bribe—it works.” Solomon does not here condone bribery; rather, he observes its effectiveness in human affairs, just as earlier proverbs warn of its moral danger (Proverbs 17:23).
The second line, “whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth,” emphasizes the perceived success of the giver’s manipulation. Clarke comments that the verse “evidently alludes to cut stones. Whithersoever you turn them, they reflect the light, are brilliant and beautiful.” So, too, does the gift appear to shine with success in every situation. Yet believers must remember that while gifts may sway men, they cannot deceive God. Bribes may bring temporary advantage, but only righteousness endures before the Judge of all the earth.
Proverbs 17:9
“He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.”
True love knows when to cover a fault rather than expose it. To “cover a transgression” does not mean to excuse sin or ignore wrongdoing, but to act with grace, discretion, and mercy when another fails. The one who seeks love seeks reconciliation, not division. There are times when sin must be exposed for the sake of righteousness (Ephesians 5:11: “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”), yet Scripture also teaches that love “shall cover the multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). When handled with godly discretion, forgiveness and silence preserve unity and heal relationships. To gossip or broadcast another’s failure only magnifies the wound. As Luke 12:3 warns, “Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.” The ultimate exposure of sin belongs to God, not to man.
In contrast, “he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.” To bring up an offense again and again, whether through tale-bearing or constant harping, destroys trust and fellowship. Kidner notes that “repeats may indicate either tale-telling or harping on a matter.” The damage is the same—what could have been resolved privately becomes a source of bitterness and division. The wise believer learns to hold his tongue, seeking love by guarding another’s reputation and extending mercy as God has extended it to him.
Proverbs 17:10
“A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.”
The heart of the wise is soft toward correction. A single rebuke can bring conviction and transformation because wisdom values truth more than pride. The wise man welcomes discipline as a friend, not an enemy. Solomon’s teaching reflects Proverbs 9:8–9: “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser.” The wise person sees correction as an opportunity to grow in righteousness and understanding.
In contrast, “an hundred stripes” cannot reach the fool. He may be beaten, punished, and lectured, yet his hardened heart refuses to learn. The fool despises correction because it exposes his folly. The fault lies not in the reproof, but in his resistance to wisdom. Morgan insightfully states, “The finer the disposition, the less is needed to correct it.” The difference lies in humility—wisdom bends; folly breaks.
Proverbs 17:11
“An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.”
Rebellion is the natural desire of the wicked heart. The evil man resists all authority—divine, civil, and moral. Rather than seeking peace or righteousness, he thrives on defiance. His rebellion has no constructive aim; it seeks only to destroy, to reject all that is good and ordered. This spirit of rebellion mirrors that of Satan, who in pride said, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God” (Isaiah 14:13). Rebellion, then, is not merely civil disobedience—it is a spiritual declaration of war against the authority of God.
As a result, “a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.” The one who lives in rebellion invites divine judgment. The “messenger” may come as the agent of a king’s wrath, or as any instrument of God’s justice—war, plague, disaster, or the eventual weight of consequences. Ross notes, “This expression could refer to a pitiless messenger that the king would send; but it also could refer to storms, pestilence, or any misfortune that was God’s messenger of retribution.” The message is clear: those who defy authority, especially God’s authority, will eventually meet the cruelty of their own rebellion reflected back upon them.
Proverbs 17:12
“Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.”
A mother bear robbed of her cubs is among the most dangerous creatures in nature. Her rage is ferocious, her instincts unstoppable, and her grief uncontrollable. Few would dare to stand before her path. Yet Solomon declares that it is still safer to meet such a beast than to encounter “a fool in his folly.” When a fool is in the full expression of his madness—driven by pride, anger, or rebellion—he becomes irrational and destructive beyond reason. The fool’s rage and self-will make him more dangerous than a wild animal because he acts without sense, restraint, or understanding.
This verse vividly portrays how dangerous unrestrained foolishness can be. The man governed by folly is not merely ignorant; he is spiritually reckless and morally blind. The bear acts from instinct, but the fool acts against the light of reason and conscience. As the note observes, “The human, who is supposed to be intelligent and rational, in such folly becomes more dangerous than the beast that in this case acts with good reason.” The wise will avoid such a man altogether, recognizing that proximity to folly brings destruction.
Proverbs 17:13
“Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.”
Few things are more perverse in human conduct than repaying kindness with cruelty. To reward evil for good is a direct assault upon God’s moral order, for it inverts justice and mocks righteousness. When one gives evil in return for good, it discourages virtue and emboldens wickedness. This act is not merely ungrateful—it is demonic in character. As Trapp puts it succinctly, “To render good for evil is divine, good for good is human, evil for evil is brutish, evil for good is devilish.” God Himself rewards the good with blessing and punishes evil with judgment; therefore, to invert that pattern is to set oneself against His very nature.
The consequence is clearly declared: “evil shall not depart from his house.” Such a person invites divine judgment upon his own family and home. Clarke warns, “As many persons are guilty of the sin of ingratitude, and of paying kindness with unkindness, and good with evil, it is no wonder we find so much wretchedness among men; for God's word cannot fail; evil shall not depart from the houses and families of such persons.” This law of moral recompense is evident throughout Scripture, as sin brings corruption and turmoil into every relationship. Kidner insightfully notes that this proverb “was very near the bone,” for Solomon’s own parents—David and Bathsheba—had repaid Uriah’s loyalty with death and deceit, and the sword indeed “never departed from David’s house” (2 Samuel 12:10). Thus, this proverb stands as both warning and confession: those who betray goodness will reap the fruit of their own treachery.
Proverbs 17:14
“The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.”
Solomon compares the start of an argument to the breaking of a dam. Once a crack appears and the water begins to leak, it is nearly impossible to restrain the flood that follows. The same is true of strife. A single word spoken in pride, a small act of offense, or a careless reaction can unleash consequences that quickly escape control. Waltke vividly illustrates, “The verse likens the beginning of a bitter conflict involving the pent-up arrogance and anger of a fool to a person who digs a hole in a dam or opens a sluice. The seepage starts from a small aperture, but under built up pressure it quickly bursts open and the small leak turns into a raging, uncontrolled cataclysm that gets out of hand and does irreparable damage.” Once unleashed, contention rarely stops where one intends; it multiplies harm, damages relationships, and destroys peace.
Therefore, Solomon advises, “leave off contention, before it be meddled with.” Wisdom teaches that the best way to end a quarrel is to never begin one. Like a farmer who maintains the dikes and levees of his land, the wise man inspects his temper, pride, and words, repairing the smallest breach before the floodwaters of strife pour through. Trapp gives a fitting illustration: “Do therefore here as the Dutchmen do by their banks; they keep them with little cost and trouble, because they look narrowly to them, and make them up in time. If there be but the least breach, they stop it presently, otherwise the sea would soon flood them.” It is always easier to prevent conflict than to mend its ruin.
Proverbs 17:15
“He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.”
God detests the perversion of justice. To declare the guilty as righteous or to condemn the innocent is to corrupt the very foundation of moral order. Justice demands that truth and righteousness prevail without favoritism or deceit. When those in power twist judgment—whether through bribery, politics, or personal bias—they commit an abomination before the Lord. The Hebrew word for “abomination” signifies something detestable, morally revolting to God’s holiness.
Morgan calls this proverb “a self-evident statement, and yet one that needs to be made,” for every generation is tempted to excuse wickedness or unjustly condemn the upright for convenience or gain. Waltke adds that this verse “corrects the popular misconception that it is better to set free ten guilty persons than to condemn one innocent person. Both are an abomination to the Lord.” God’s justice is perfect and impartial; it does not bend toward leniency or severity but stands in absolute truth. In the end, the Lord Himself will judge rightly, rewarding the just and condemning the wicked, for “He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with equity” (Psalm 98:9).
Proverbs 17:16
“Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?”
This proverb portrays the absurdity of a fool attempting to purchase wisdom. The “price” of wisdom may be money, effort, or sacrifice, but more profoundly, it is the humble fear of the Lord. Proverbs 9:10 declares, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” The fool may outwardly pursue wisdom, desiring its benefits or reputation, yet he lacks the heart to truly receive it. His motives are superficial—he wants the appearance of wisdom without the transformation it requires.
Ross aptly observes, “The fool has no interest in obtaining wisdom in the way that it must be obtained.” Wisdom demands repentance, humility, and a teachable spirit—qualities the fool despises. To seek wisdom without surrendering pride is as foolish as trying to buy virtue with gold. The question Solomon poses is rhetorical: Why should a fool possess the price of wisdom if his heart rejects its value? Until the heart is changed, no amount of effort, study, or investment can yield true understanding. As Proverbs 1:7 declares, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
True friendship is not seasonal or conditional, but constant and steadfast. “A friend loveth at all times,” meaning that genuine affection endures through both prosperity and hardship. The fair-weather friend, who is present only when life is easy, is not a true friend at all. The love of a godly friend reflects the steadfast love of God Himself, whose faithfulness never fails. Spurgeon observed, “Ahithophel has deserted David, and Judas has sold his Lord. The greatest of kings who have been fawned upon by their courtiers while in power, have been treated as if they were but dogs in the time of their extremity.” True friends stand firm when trials come, loving in spite of circumstances, misunderstandings, or personal loss.
Spurgeon also recounted Jonathan Edwards’ dying words: “Where is Jesus of Nazareth, my old and faithful friend? I know he will be with me now that I need his help.” In those words we see the perfect Friend, Jesus Christ, who loves His people at all times and never forsakes them.
The second half of the verse declares, “a brother is born for adversity.” This suggests that true brotherhood—whether by blood or by faith—is proven in hardship. In the day of trouble, a real brother reveals his love and loyalty. Morgan wisely applied this proverb: “Let it be applied. Then two startling questions will arise. First, a question as to whether I am really a friend to anyone; and second, a question as to how many real friends I have.” Bridges expands this beautifully: “We must look to our Lord for the best example in this matter. We see the Son of God taking on our nature so that he might be our friend and brother.” Hebrews 2:14 affirms this truth: “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same.” Christ became our Brother through His incarnation, born for our adversity—to bear our sin, sorrow, and death. The ancient Jewish teachers rightly saw in this proverb a prophecy of the Messiah’s friendship toward mankind.
Proverbs 17:18
“A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.”
Solomon warns against the foolishness of becoming a guarantor for another’s debt. To “strike hands” was the ancient gesture of formal agreement, much like signing a contract. A man devoid of understanding acts rashly, pledging himself for another’s financial obligation without weighing the consequences. Wisdom teaches personal responsibility and cautions against entangling oneself in another’s unwise ventures. Proverbs 6:1–2 gives the same warning: “My son, if thou be surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand with a stranger, thou art snared with the words of thy mouth.”
The principle remains timeless: it is enough to bear one’s own burdens; to assume another’s without discernment invites ruin. The fool’s gesture of generosity is not love but presumption, for he fails to understand stewardship and accountability before God.
Proverbs 17:19
“He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.”
To love conflict is to love sin, for strife is the fruit of pride and rebellion. Those who delight in argument, division, or disorder prove themselves lovers of transgression rather than peace. The believer who loves righteousness will seek peace, for “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). The one who delights in contention does the devil’s work, sowing discord among brethren.
The second clause, “he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction,” can carry two interpretations. On one hand, “the gate” may symbolize a man’s home or position of influence—those who elevate themselves above others, displaying pride or luxury, court their own downfall. As Bridges explains, “The man who builds a high gate exalts himself above his neighbor and assumes a lifestyle beyond his rank.” Pride brings ruin, for “pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). On the other hand, Clarke interprets “gate” as symbolic of the mouth: “The exalting of the gate may mean proud boasting and arrogant speaking, such as has a tendency to kindle and maintain strife.” Both meanings agree with the context: whether by boastful words or self-exalting behavior, those who love transgression and strife invite destruction.
Proverbs 17:20
“He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.”
A deceitful or crooked heart blinds a man to the goodness of God and of life. Because his inner disposition is twisted, he perceives everything through the lens of corruption. He finds “no good,” not because none exists, but because his heart is incapable of recognizing it. Jesus declared, “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness” (Matthew 6:22–23). A heart of deceit cannot see truth, and a spirit of bitterness cannot perceive blessing.
Likewise, “he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.” The tongue reveals the state of the heart. When the mouth is filled with deceit, slander, or rebellion, destruction soon follows. Words have consequences—they not only expose inward sin but also lead the speaker deeper into it. Evil speech sets traps for others but ensnares the speaker himself. James 3:6 warns, “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity… it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature.” The man who will not bridle his tongue ensures his own downfall.
Proverbs 17:21
“He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.”
There is deep heartache in seeing a child grow into a scoffer or a fool. To raise a son or daughter who rejects truth, mocks godliness, and lives without wisdom brings grief to a godly parent’s soul. The sorrow is not only because of the child’s self-destruction, but also because the parent’s heart naturally wonders if something more could have been done. A scoffer is one who arrogantly dismisses correction and ridicules righteousness, showing contempt for both divine truth and parental guidance. Such a child becomes a living reminder of sin’s painful consequences.
The father of a fool “hath no joy,” for joy and foolishness cannot dwell in the same house. Foolish children bring shame, conflict, and instability to their homes. Trapp vividly illustrates this truth by recalling the miseries of earthly kings: “No more than William the Conqueror had in his ungracious children, or Henry II, who, finding that his sons had conspired against him with the king of France, fell into a grievous passion, cursing both his sons, and the day wherein himself was born; and in that distemperature departed the world, which himself had so oft distempered.” The grief of a godly parent over a wayward child mirrors God’s own sorrow over rebellious mankind (Genesis 6:6). Therefore, the greatest safeguard against such sorrow is to raise children in the fear of the Lord and to model godliness consistently in the home.
Proverbs 17:22
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
The joy of the Lord has a healing power. A cheerful and thankful spirit refreshes both the soul and the body, much like medicine brings restoration to the sick. This verse captures a truth confirmed by both Scripture and experience—that inner joy has tangible effects on one’s physical health. A merry heart does not deny trouble but chooses faith over despair, trusting that God remains sovereign through all circumstances. Joy rooted in the Lord brings endurance, clarity, and strength.
Conversely, “a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Just as moisture is essential to the health of the body, so spiritual vitality sustains one’s physical and emotional well-being. When a man’s spirit is crushed by grief, guilt, or despair, his very life seems to wither. David described this vividly in Psalm 32:3–4: “When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer.” Ross explains that “‘bones’ figuratively represents the body: fat bones means a healthy body, but dry bones signify unhealthiness and lifelessness.”
Bridges distinguishes between a godly brokenness and a sinful despondency: “A broken spirit in an evangelical sense is God’s precious gift. It is stamped with His special honor. But here a crushed spirit describes a brooding spirit of despondency that always looks on the dark side of things.” Such despair dries up the vigor of life, whereas godly sorrow, which leads to repentance, brings renewal and peace (2 Corinthians 7:10).
Proverbs 17:23
“A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.”
The acceptance of bribes is a mark of deep moral corruption. The wicked man who “taketh a gift out of the bosom” acts secretly and deceitfully, seeking personal gain through injustice. Such bribery undermines the foundation of righteousness in a community, for justice is meant to be impartial and pure. The hidden nature of the bribe reflects the conscience’s awareness of guilt, for it is given “behind the back,” as though hiding from the eyes of men—but not from God.
Waltke notes, “The corrupt official defies God who has placed him over the community to protect the poor. He shows he is conscious of his guilt by accepting the sly bribe, which is concealed from public scrutiny and opprobrium, but it is not concealed from God.” When justice becomes a commodity to be bought, truth perishes in the streets and the oppressed lose hope. Isaiah 33:15–16 gives the opposite picture of integrity: “He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes… he shall dwell on high.” God’s people must be known for incorruptible justice, fearing Him more than any man’s favor.
Proverbs 17:24
“Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.”
The man of understanding has wisdom ever before him—within reach, within sight, and always guiding his thoughts and actions. He does not look far away for purpose or fulfillment because truth stands plainly before him in God’s Word. His mind is fixed, his attention steady, and his priorities clear. Wisdom keeps his focus centered upon the Lord and the duties of the present moment. As Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
By contrast, “the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.” The fool’s attention is scattered, distracted, and unfocused. He seeks wisdom everywhere except where it may truly be found—in the fear of the Lord. Clarke observes, “Wisdom is within the sight and reach of every man: but he whose desires are scattered abroad, who is always aiming at impossible things, or is of an unsteady disposition, is not likely to find it.” Morgan further explains, “While it is a sure sign of weakness to see only the things that are near, it is a yet surer sign of folly to be forever looking at far-off things, to the neglect of those close at hand.”
Bridges paints the picture vividly: “His eyes are on the ends of the earth, rolling and wandering from one object to another. His thoughts are scattered. He has no definite objective, no certain way of life. Talent, cultivation of mind, and improvement of opportunity are all frittered away.” The fool lives in distraction, chasing every distant curiosity while ignoring the simple duties of wisdom before him. Bridges concludes soberly, “This diversion is a great friend to the enemy. Our enemy’s great object is to turn the mind away from what is immediate to what is indefinite, from what is plain and important to what is unsearchable.” True understanding begins when one learns to attend faithfully to what God has already placed before him.
Proverbs 17:25
“A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.”
The grief caused by a foolish child is among the heaviest sorrows that can weigh upon a parent’s heart. This proverb echoes Proverbs 17:21, emphasizing how devastating it is to see one’s own offspring walk in folly. A father’s grief springs from disappointed hopes and the painful awareness that his child has rejected wisdom, righteousness, and instruction. His labor, discipline, and love appear wasted in the face of rebellion and moral failure. The anguish runs deep because it is love that suffers most when met with rejection.
The mother’s pain is described as “bitterness,” a word that captures the unique sorrow of maternal love betrayed. A mother who bore her child in pain, nurtured him with care, and watched over him with tenderness feels a wound beyond description when that child despises truth and righteousness. Her heart is pierced by both love and helplessness. Such bitterness is not born from anger, but from deep affection wounded by sin. The grief of godly parents over wayward children is a reflection of God’s own heart, who said through Isaiah, “I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me” (Isaiah 1:2).
Proverbs 17:26
“Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.”
This proverb upholds one of the most fundamental principles of divine justice—that righteousness should be honored, not condemned. To punish the just is to assault God’s moral order and pervert truth itself. When the innocent suffer for their integrity, society has turned against the very foundations of justice. Scripture repeatedly condemns such corruption, as in Isaiah 5:23: “Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!” God declares such actions “not good,” meaning morally abhorrent and contrary to His nature.
The phrase “nor to strike princes for equity” extends the same thought: those who lead with uprightness should be honored, not harmed. When rulers or officials are punished for acting righteously, the moral compass of a people has failed. The striking of “princes” (nobles or officials) for their integrity represents not only an attack on individuals, but on justice itself. Such behavior invites divine judgment, for it inverts the moral hierarchy God has established. As Proverbs 29:27 says, “He that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.”
Proverbs 17:27
“He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.”
Wisdom reveals itself not only in what one says, but often more powerfully in what one does not say. The man who “spareth his words” demonstrates restraint, discernment, and self-control. A wise person knows that words carry weight and that silence is often more profitable than speech. This is not the silence of ignorance, but of understanding—the mark of one who carefully measures his words before speaking. James 1:19 echoes this wisdom: “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
The second line describes “a man of understanding” as one who possesses “an excellent spirit,” or literally, a calm and composed disposition. True wisdom brings peace, not agitation. A calm spirit reflects trust in God’s sovereignty and freedom from the need to control or dominate conversations. The wise are not easily provoked or hurried to speak, for they understand that wrath and hasty words often lead to sin. Proverbs 14:29 declares, “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.” The wise person’s restraint of speech and serenity of spirit testify that his heart is anchored in divine wisdom.
Proverbs 17:28
“Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”
This proverb continues the previous thought with both irony and instruction. Silence, though not a substitute for wisdom, can at least conceal folly. When a fool refrains from speaking, he appears wise, and even gains the reputation of understanding. This is not mockery but practical truth—restraint of the tongue is the beginning of self-control, and self-control is the beginning of wisdom. Kidner observes, “The dry advice of verse 28 is not purely ironical: the fool who takes it is no longer a complete fool.” By holding his peace, he demonstrates the first step toward maturity.
Speech reveals the heart, and silence protects it. Those who are quick to speak often expose their ignorance, while those who think before speaking earn respect. The world has long recognized this truth, reflected in Abraham Lincoln’s famous saying: “It is better to keep your mouth shut and let them think you a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” Proverbs 10:19 gives a parallel warning: “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” Silence is not cowardice but wisdom in restraint—an art learned by the godly and mastered by the humble.
