Book of Proverbs
Chapter 17:1-14
In Monday’s Herald-Courier there was an article about Maine’s huge crop of blueberries which is expected to be 90-95 million pounds this year. Who would have thought that Maine produced so many blueberries? Our lives are to bear fruit for the Lord and He is glorified when we bear much fruit. I’d like to think that our study of Proverbs will make us more fruitful believers.
Someone wrote: “This is grace indeed that God should place His wisdom at the disposition of man. Such wisdom demands obedience, makes understanding clear, the heart clean, the conscience pure, and the will firm.” That is a fruitful Christian life.
17:1 – Atmosphere is more important than assets
It is better to have basic necessities and peace than to have abundant supplies and strife. What counts most is a good, pleasant atmosphere. Many people have big houses and a freezer full of beef, but they can’t get along with each other. Strife is not good (15:17; 17:14, 19).
17:2 – Wisdom is more important than privilege
A wise servant may rise up to rule over and possess the inheritance of an unworthy and foolish son. See Prov. 11:29; Eccl. 4:13.
17:3 – God refines our character through trials
A refining pot was a heated crucible used to test and refine precious metals like gold and silver. This verse reminds us of Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. God tries us: 1) to see if our faith is genuine and 2) to purify our faith. The faith that can’t be tested can’t be trusted. One of God’s tests is praise, Proverbs 27:21 As the fining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise.
17:4 – Our ears reveal our character
A wicked man willingly and gladly listens to lies and a liar willingly and gladly listens to wicked words. We reveal our character by what we want to hear. Proverbs reminds us that not only our lips, but also our ears reveal our character. Remember the child’s song:
“Oh be careful little ears what you hear.”
17:5 – Have compassion for others instead of contempt
We must not look down on the poor because God made them, and we must not be happy when people suffer. See Prov. 14:21, 31; 24:17-18.
17:6 – God provides life-long blessings in the family
Grandchildren are special blessings to older folks in the family and kids are blessed to have their parents. This verse refers to families where the children, grandchildren, and parents are obedient and godly. This is how God designed the family to be.
17:7 – Our words should represent who we are
Just as excellent (noble) words are not appropriate for a foolish (ungodly) person, so it is not appropriate for a person of noble rank and authority to lie. We should speak words that are fitting for children of God.
17:8 – Bribes are appealing and powerful
There is an old saying, “Every man has his price.” We say, “Money talks.” A bribe can make the recipient prosperous. This is an example of a proverb that describes life as it is, not as it should be.
17:9 – Hide the sins of others and hold friends together
The Bible says we must not cover our own sins (Prov. 28:13), but we should lovingly cover the sins of others. Someone said, “You can’t believe half of what you hear, but you can repeat it.” When we hear something negative about someone do we take it to the throne in prayer or do we take it to the phone in gossip?
17:10 – A wise person has a teachable spirit
Reproof is verbal correction. A wise person receives correction and profits from it, but a fool won’t be corrected even if he is severely punished. This verse explains why some people avoid prison and other people are worse than ever after being in prison. See Prov. 9:7-8; 15:31-33. The Scripture is a constant source of correction (2 Tim. 3:16). God is pleased with “FAT” people (Faithful, Available, Teachable).
17:11 – Rebellion is evil and will be punished
An evil person lives in rebellion to God and man and he will eventually pay the price. The “cruel messenger” may be a person sent by God or it may refer to God’s direct punishment. Rebellion is the opposite of obedience and is a very serious sin (1 Sam. 15:22-23).
17:12 – Foolish people can be extremely dangerous
It is very dangerous to meet a bear robbed of her young cubs, but it is even worse to encounter a wicked man involved in his wickedness. Fools don’t always act rationally in their anger, just like the man who shot all those people in Aurora, Colorado. We must deal with wicked people carefully and lovingly.
17:13 – God punishes evil with evil
We have a saying: “What goes around comes around.” God will punish evil actions by allowing evil consequences to come upon the whole family. Examples of this are Joseph’s brothers, King Saul, and even David. They all suffered the consequences of returning evil for good. To return good for good and evil for evil is human. To return evil for good is satanic. To return good for evil is divine. Christians are called to this high standard. Romans 12:17 Recompense (repay) to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. See 1 Pet. 3:8-9.
17:14 – Stop arguments before they get out of hand
This is an important reminder for citizens, neighbors, families, and churches. A small break in the dam can cause serious flooding. The cause of all strife is pride (Prov. 13:10).
Book of Proverbs
Chapter 17:1-14
Someone wrote: “This is grace indeed that God should place His wisdom at the disposition of man. Such wisdom demands obedience, makes understanding clear, the heart clean, the conscience pure, and the will firm.” Wisdom produces a godly and fruitful Christian life.
17:1 – ______
It is better to have basic necessities and peace than to have abundant supplies and strife. Strife is not good (15:17; 17:14, 19).
17:2 – ______
A wise servant may rise up to rule over and possess the inheritance of an unworthy and foolish son. See Prov. 11:29; Eccl. 4:13.
17:3 – ______
A refining pot was a heated crucible used to test and refine precious metals like gold and silver. This verse reminds us of Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
17:4 – ______
A wicked man willingly and gladly listens to lies and a liar willingly and gladly listens to wicked words. We reveal our character by what we want to hear.
17:5 – ______
We must not look down on the poor because God made them, and we must not be happy when people suffer. See Prov. 14:21, 31; 24:17-18.
17:6 – ______
Grandchildren are special blessings to older folks in the family and kids are blessed to have their parents.
17:7 – ______
Just as excellent (noble) words are not appropriate for a foolish (ungodly) person, so it is not appropriate for a person of noble rank and authority to lie.
17:8 – ______
A bribe can make the recipient prosperous. This is an example of a proverb that describes life as it is, not as it should be.
17:9 – ______
The Bible says we must not cover our own sins (Prov. 28:13), but we should lovingly cover the sins of others.
17:10 – ______
Reproof is verbal correction. A wise person receives correction and profits from it, but a fool won’t be corrected even if he is severely punished.
17:11 – ______
An evil person lives in rebellion to God and man and he will eventually pay the price. The “cruel messenger” may be a person sent by God or it may refer to God’s direct punishment.
17:12 – ______
It is very dangerous to meet a bear robbed of her young cubs, but it is even worse to encounter a wicked man involved in his wickedness.
17:13 – ______
We have a saying: “What goes around comes around.” God will punish evil actions by allowing evil consequences to come upon the whole family. Examples of this are Joseph’s brothers, King Saul, and even David. They all suffered the consequences of returning evil for good.
17:14 – ______
This is an important reminder for citizens, neighbors, families, and churches. A small break in the dam can cause serious flooding.