Proverbs 17:1 ¶ Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
The Hebrew for the word “sacrifice” refers to “a slaughter, i.e, the flesh of an animal—in other words, meat to eat. Solomon is saying that it is better to have a small meal in a quiet, peaceful home than to have an abundance of good food in a home filled with contention.
EBC Abridged: "Abundance often brings a deterioration of moral and ethical standards as well as an increase in envy and strife.”
Henry: “Love will sweeten a dry morsel, but strife will sour and embitter a house full of sacrifices. A little of the leaven of malice will leaven all the enjoyments.”
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.
This proverb is rooted in the accepted customs of Solomon’s day. A wise servant was accorded more respect in the family than a son that brings shame upon the family. It seems he would in fact inherit that which would have belonged to the shameful son.
Proverbs 17:3 ¶ The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
The fining pot and the furnace refer to the means by which silver and gold are purified. The metals are heated to separate the pure metal from the impurities associated with its source. Only the LORD is able to distinguish the motives and intents in a person’s heart and provide the refining fires of life (trouble and affliction) needed to produce purity in a person.
We are so blessed as Christians to have the privilege of being clothed in the righteousness of God through the sacrifice of Jesus, His Son. However, in this life He continues to sanctify us through the refining fires of life and the ministry of the Holy Spirit to conform us into the image of His Son.
1 Peter 1:6–7 “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”
Romans 8:29 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
Ironside: “The refiner of silver and the purifier of gold know just what heat is necessary to purge away all dross. They will take care that just the right amount is permitted. So it is with our God and Father. He desires to free us from the base things of earth, and He allows us to pass through the fires of affliction for that end. But it is precious indeed to know that He sits by the fining pot, waiting until His own image is reflected in the soul; and He walks in the furnace with His persecuted children.”
Proverbs 17:4 ¶ A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
My paraphrase: Those who are wicked are quick to listen to and believe liars who seek the ruin of others.
McDonald: “The kind of talk a man feeds on is a barometer of what he is at heart.”
Wiersbe: “A basic rule of life is that the ears hear what the heart loves, so beware of people who have an appetite for gossip and lies.”
Proverbs 17:5 ¶ Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
People that make fun of those that are poor expose themselves as having no respect for their Creator. Those that rejoice in the misfortunes of others will be held accountable (by their Maker is implied).
One way of mocking the poor is to consider them a lower class person just because they are poor. We are all made in the image of God and created for His pleasure, His purpose. A person’s worth is not defined by his economic status. I am convinced that some of the greatest in heaven will prove to have been among the outcast poor on earth.
Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
Revelation 4:11 “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”
Proverbs 17:6 ¶ Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
Solomon is basically affirming the truth that children are a heritage of the LORD.
Psalm 127:3 “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
To be able to enjoy one’s grandchildren is one of the greatest blessings in life; I can affirm this from personal experience. The honor of a child for his parent should be the norm. Such joy is directly impacted by the honor and reverence parents and offspring have for the LORD. Sadly, much of the culture of our day no longer honors parents with the respect accorded them in times past. They are often looked upon as a burden more than a blessing as they age and become more dependent.
Thoughtful observation from Garrett as quoted by Guzik: “Behind this apparently innocuous proverb is a profound assertion of the psychological interdependence of the generations. Elders derive a sense of pride from their descendants, and children get their self-worth from parents. On the other hand, one generation can cause shame and a sense of worthlessness in another.”
Proverbs 17:7 ¶ Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
Superiority of speech is as unexpected of a fool as lying lips should be to a prince. I think Solomon is yet again drilling into his sons (princes) the truth that they should be examples of truth and honesty.
It is true that we have expectations of people based on who we think they are. If one is known as a trouble-maker, we expect the worst of him. If one is known as a good student, we expect him to make good grades. If one is known as a Christian, a child of God, we are expected to act in a way that honors Him.
Proverbs 17:8 ¶ A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
I think the NLT sums it up well: “A bribe seems to work like magic for those who give it; they succeed in all they do.”
It would seem that the misuse of money and power was just as much an evil in Solomon’s day as it is in ours. I think bribery is part and parcel of politics and the judicial system in America and much of the rest of the world today.
Ironside had a positive take on this verse: “A gift presented as a token of pure affection and respect will be highly valued by its possessor. It will pave the way for a deeper relationship. He who would find love should be a giver not just a receiver.”
Proverbs 17:9 ¶ He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
A true friend, one that loves you, will seek to cover your sin; he will not gossip about it to others. He will, however, rebuke you in love and encourage you to do what is right concerning your sin.
Ironside: “God alone can safely hear the sad story of a brother’s shame. Into His ear it can all be poured, coupled with earnest prayer for the restoration of the one who has gone astray. To persist in repeating accounts of evil-doing to fellow saints only distresses and injures those who are persuaded to listen. Few indeed are the men who will take a brother’s wrongdoing to heart and make it an occasion for self-judgment and confession of their own sin to the Lord.”
Proverbs 17:10 ¶ A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
My paraphrase: A word of reproof is more effective in producing change in the life of a wise man than severe punishment is to the fool. That is true because the wise man’s conscience has not been seared; it is tender before the LORD. The foolish man has a hard, stubborn heart and is not bothered by his conscience.
Proverbs 17:11 ¶ An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
Evil men are always stirring up others to join with them in their rebellion against the LORD. The Hebrew for messenger refers to “a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)….” So I think Solomon is saying that the LORD will eventually rebuke him and make him accountable.
Guzik: “Repeated rebellion invites cruel retaliation. The evil man should not be surprised when it comes.”
Proverbs 17:12 ¶ Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
This is a pretty extreme statement. Solomon is saying that it is better to face an angry mama bear robbed of her cubs than to face a man intent on evil.
Guzik quoting Ross: “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.”
Proverbs 17:13 ¶ Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
Solomon is basically saying that you curse your own family when you act in evil against one who has shown you goodness and kindness.
Trapp: “To render good for evil is divine, good for good is human, evil for evil is brutish, evil for good is devilish.”
Proverbs 17:14 ¶ The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
I like the NLT: “Beginning a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.”
I grew up hearing the old saying, “It takes two to tango.” In other words, you make a choice when you engage in an argument or dispute. Most of the time, in retrospect, you will realize that the trouble that followed wasn’t worth it. It is much better to exercise self-discipline and just let it go.
Proverbs 17:15 ¶ He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
Solomon identifies two things that disgusts the LORD: 1) declaring what or who is wrong to be right and 2) declaring what or who is innocent and right to be wrong. In the court of law it refers to declaring the guilty to be innocent and the innocent to be guilty. Obviously, this truth is predicated on the truth that God’s word is the basis for determining what is morally right and wrong, good and evil.
Sadly, both are on great public display in society today. Paul warned Timothy that such would be the case in end times.
1 Timothy 4:1–2 “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron….”
2 Timothy 3:1–3 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good….”
Yes, there have always been people with these characteristics; but in these last times, such behaviors are becoming the norm rather than the exception.
Proverbs 17:16 ¶ Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
I like the NLT: “It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a fool who has no heart for wisdom.”
Many parents ignore this truth when sending their kids to college. Many kids go to college focused more on socializing than on getting an education. The money invested in their education is basically wasted. A student has to want to learn, to benefit from his education, for the time and money invested in it to be worthwhile.
Sad to say, I have learned that money invested in a child’s college education is basically wasted among most students because they aren’t being educated, they are being indoctrinated with godless principles—at least in most colleges in America, including many of those operating under the Christian banner.
Proverbs 17:17 ¶ A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
The Hebrew for “friend” references a close companion or family member. Solomon is saying that such a friend or brother will love you at all times—in good times and bad, especially in times of trouble and affliction. You can count on their love, support and encouragement.
MacDonald: “A quaint note from D. L. Moody’s bible says, ‘A true friend is like ivy—the greater the ruin, the closer he clings.’”
Henry: “Those that are fanciful or selfish in their friendship will love no longer than their humour is pleased and their interest served, and therefore their affections turn with the wind and change with the weather. Swallow-friends, that fly to you in summer, but are gone in winter….”
Ironside: “In reading this verse the Christian’s heart involuntarily turns to the one Friend whose love the many waters of judgment could not quench, neither could the floods of wrath drown it. Our Lord Jesus Christ is that Friend. His love does not change, and He is preeminently a Brother born for adversity.”
Proverbs 17:18 ¶ A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.
Solomon is saying that it is not wise to co-sign a loan, making yourself responsible for someone else’s debt. This is true as a general rule. Relationship, financial well-being, and the need for such a loan can influence one’s decision. As Ironside notes: “It is not wise to pledge security for another unless one is quite prepared to lose and can well afford it. Paul pledged the security for Onesimus, as Judah did for Benjamin; but each had counted the cost and was ready to pay to the last penny."
Proverbs 17:19 ¶ He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.
A person that desires to rebel against the LORD loves to stir up trouble. He has great pride and is setting himself up for ruin.
Clarke: “…possibly gate is here taken for the mouth; and the exalting of the gate may mean proud boasting and arrogant speaking, such as has a tendency to kindle and maintain strife.”
Proverbs 17:20 ¶ He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
The Hebrew defines “froward” as “distorted, false, crooked or perverse.” Webster defines “perverse” as “turned away from the right.” Solomon is saying that one with a heart that has turned away from what is right before the LORD will end up in ruin. One whose tongue speaks out against the truth declared in God’s word will end up in great sorrow and wretchedness. As with so many of Solomon’s proverbs, the ultimate application of its truth is to one’s spiritual destiny.
Guzik: “The one filled with deceit will only find corruption and deceit in others. Wicked and foolish words not only display the evil of someone’s heart, they also lead them into greater evil.”
Proverbs 17:21 ¶ He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
Throughout our study of this book, a fool references one who has rejected the LORD and His word; he has no fear or reverence for the LORD. Parents who honor and reverence the LORD experience great sorrow when their children turn out to be fools.
It is so important to begin training one’s children from the very beginning to memorize God’s word and become familiar with its teachings. It is oh so important that as you teach them God’s word, they see you example the truth of what you teach. In spite of the many things I did wrong as a parent, I count as one of my greatest blessings in life to know that my children trust in the LORD and seek to honor His word.
Proverbs 17:22 ¶ A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
It is so true that one’s emotional state greatly affects one’s health. A merry heart promotes good health, and a depressed, broken heart leads to sickness.
Ironside: “The Christian is able in all circumstances to rejoice in the Lord and be lifted above circumstances that would depress and weigh down the soul. Then, in place of showing his happiness in the empty ways of the world, he can sing and make melody in his heart to the source and object of his gladness.”
Proverbs 17:23 ¶ A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.
A wicked person is easily bribed to thwart justice—be it judge or witness. He is not interested in obtaining a fair and honest judgment. “Out of the bosom” seems to reference secrecy; and, of course, no one wants to be openly identified as one who is dishonest and breaks the law.
Sadly, it is no longer a stigma in much of the world today to identify with those who are dishonest and openly disregard the law. Throughout the world today, much of the media and many politicians fall into that category. They are determined to achieve their agenda by whatever means, regardless of the illegality or dishonesty required to do it.
Proverbs 17:24 ¶ Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
I think Solomon is saying that a man of intelligence and discernment keeps focused on acting wisely. A foolish man, however, changes his focus to whatever is necessary to get what he wants.
Henry adds another perspective: “He is a fool, and good for nothing, whose eyes are in the ends of the earth, here, and there and every where, any where but where they should be, who cannot fix his thoughts to one subject nor pursue any one purpose with any thing of steadiness.”
Proverbs 17:25 ¶ A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
Yet another statement from Solomon expressing the grief and sorrow that parents suffer because of a foolish son.
Henry: “Wicked children are an affliction to both their parents. They are an occasion of anger to the father (so the word signifies), because they contemn his authority, but of sorrow and bitterness to the mother, because they abuse her tenderness.”
Ironside: “The young man is not the only, nor by any means the greatest, sufferer when he throws discretion to the winds and plunges into foolishness and vice. The poignant grief of his father’s heart and the bitter disappointment of his mother are sorrows too deep for words to express. To have brought into the world one who despises their love and disobeys all their authority is terrible indeed. Sadly it little affects the haughty, stubborn heart of the wayward youth who plunges recklessly on, adding grief to grief and heartache to heartache!”
Proverbs 17:26 ¶ Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
It is not good, in fact, it is wicked to punish someone unjustly or to punish someone for trying to uphold what is just and right. As always, the standard for what is good, right and just can only be found in the word of God.
It is just hard for me not to make application to much I see going on around me today. It is becoming ever more acceptable and even encouraged to punish people unjustly or for standing up for what is right and just. This is not surprising, however, since the world as a whole and our nation in particular have rejected God as LORD and His word as truth.
Proverbs 17:27 ¶ He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
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.
These two verses affirm the wisdom of being self-disciplined and controlling one’s tongue. Even a fool can be perceived as wise and discerning if he just keeps his mouth shut.
Clarke: “A man may be golden-mouthed and silver-tongued in eloquence; but to know when and where to speak and to be silent, is better than diamonds.”
Proverbs 18:1 ¶ Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
After looking at the Hebrew, I think the NIV is clearer: “An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment.” I think the key is that he separates himself because of selfish desires. He is intent on doing whatever it takes to get what he wants.
As I started looking at the commentaries, I found that some of the older commentators interpret it in a positive way. They posit that the man separates himself from the wisdom of the world to seek true wisdom. Most of the translations I checked see it in the negative.
Proverbs 18:2 ¶ A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
My paraphrase: A fool is only interested in sharing his own thoughts and opinions; he doesn’t care what anyone else thinks.
Ironside: “Nothing is more characteristic of the fool than his contempt for instruction and his lack of desire to understand.”
Courson: “It has been said that faith, fact, and feeling are like three men walking along the top of a fence. Fact is in front; faith is in the middle; and feeling is at the end. As long as faith looks straight ahead at fact, he’ll be alright. But once faith turns around to check out feeling, he’ll lose his balance and fall.”
Proverbs 18:3 ¶ When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach.
My paraphrase: A wicked or ungodly person is always accompanied by dishonor, disrespect, and shame. This has two applications: 1) They show dishonor, disrespect and shameful behavior towards others. 2) They are identified as dishonorable, disrespectful and shameful by those that are godly.
Proverbs 18:4 ¶ The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
I think Solomon is saying that our words have power. Deep water and flowing water are sources of power. Water is also a source of refreshment and is necessary to life. When we use our words wisely, they are a source of refreshment to others and promote good health.
Clarke: “The wise sayings of a wise man are like deep waters; howsoever much you pump or draw off, you do not appear to lessen them.”
Proverbs 18:5 ¶ It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
Again, I can read this two ways. 1) It is wrong to rule in favor of a guilty person at the expense of an innocent person. 2) It is wrong to pardon or spare (from the Hebrew for “accept”) a guilty person, and it is just as wrong to declare an innocent person guilty.
Henry: “The merits of the cause must be regarded, not the person.”
Clarke: “We must not, in judicial cases, pay any attention to a man's riches, influence, friends, offices, etc., but judge the case according to its own merits."
Proverbs 18:6 ¶ A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
Proverbs 18:7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
The ungodly, foolish man’s speech causes controversy and fights. It will eventually lead to his eternal ruin and destruction—unless he turns to God in faith and repentance.
Acts 20:20–21 “I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Proverbs 18:8 ¶ The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
The words of a gossip are like wounds that rankle (from Hebrew for “wounds”); they fester and inflame as they are absorbed by the hearer. Gossip hurts not only the one being talked about, but also the one who listens to it.
Several translations describe the words of the gossip as dainty morsels, e.g., the NIV: “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels….”—something tempting to the appetite of the listener.
Henry: “The words of the tale-bearer wound him of whom they are spoken, his credit and interest, and him to whom they are spoken, his love and charity.”
Words of warning from Guzik: “When we receive the words of a talebearer, they normally have an effect on us. The words go down into us and often change the way we think and feel about people, even if what the talebearer says isn’t true or isn’t confirmed.”
Proverbs 18:9 ¶ He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.
A person that is lazy and slack in his work is like the person that causes ruin and destruction.
EBC Abridged: “The one who is slack may look for shortcuts and may make things that fall apart. His destruction may be indirect and slow in coming, but it is just as problematic.”
Guzik: “If a person is given management over a large estate and ruins it through vandalism and outright destruction, it is easy to see them as a great destroyer. Yet if the same person allows it to fall into disrepair and uselessness through neglect and laziness, they also are a great destroyer – they just did it another way. Laziness destroys.”
Proverbs 18:10 ¶ The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
This is one of the songs we sing in worship, and it declares a beautiful truth. The LORD (represented by His name) is a place of strength and refuge, of protection and safety to those that look to Him in faith. This is a characteristic that no “false god” can claim; they are totally impotent before the LORD.
Ironside: “All that perplexes and oppresses the human spirit can be poured into God’s ear. Then the soul can leave all burdens with Him and can confide in His love. Thus the heart will be at peace, protected as in a garrisoned tower, however the enemy may rage.”
I really liked Guziks thoughts: “Because the name of Yahweh represents His character in all its aspects, the believer can think about the aspects of God’s character and find a strong, safe refuge in them. It can be as simple as this:
· Lord, You are a God of love – so I find refuge in your love.
· Lord, You are a God of mercy – so I find refuge in your mercy.
· Lord, You are a God of strength – so I find refuge in your strength.
· Lord, You are a God of righteousness – so I find refuge in your righteousness.”
Proverbs 18:11 ¶ The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit.
I think the NLT gets at the heart of it: “The rich think of their wealth as an impregnable defense; they imagine it is a high wall of safety.”
So many people look to wealth as security for their future. They don’t stop to consider how quickly wealth can be lost—just look at Venezuela today (2019) or think back to when the stock market crashed in 1929 and ushered in the great depression. God is the only true source to which one can look for strength and protection. It may not always manifest according to our expectations, but He is faithful and strong on behalf of those that trust in Him.
Guzik quoting Garrett: “Wealth does afford a measure of protection, but the danger of wealth is precisely that it gives its possessor the illusion of greater security than it can provide.”
Proverbs 18:12 ¶ Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.
The first part of this verse basically mirrors a verse in chapter 16.
Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
Haughtiness and pride lead to destruction, while humbleness and meekness lead to honor. This may not always prove true before men, but it is always true before God—our eternal judge.
Proverbs 18:13 ¶ He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
I liked the CJB translation: “To answer someone before hearing him out is both stupid and embarrassing.” That is pretty self-explanatory.
Proverbs 18:14 ¶ The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
I think Solomon is saying that a healthy emotional state can help a person endure physical illness, but it’s hard to endure a depressed or oppressed mental state.
EBC Abridged: “In physical sickness one can fall back on the will to live; but in depression the will to live may be gone, and there is no reserve for physical strength.”
Proverbs 18:15 ¶ The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
Prudence is pretty much interchangeable with discernment, wisdom and understanding. So, the prudent person is ever eager to increase his knowledge base. The heart represents the place of desire; and the ear, I think, represents the willingness to be taught.
Proverbs 18:16 ¶ A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
Everyone likes to receive gifts—even the rich and powerful who already have more than they need. Giving someone a gift is a sure way of currying their favor if you are trying to make their acquaintance. After looking at the Hebrew, I am looking at this from a positive viewpoint. However, there is latitude in the definition to consider the negative side. A gift could also refer to a bribe made to gain a person’s influence for whatever personal reasons.
Proverbs 18:17 ¶ He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
It is true that the first person that gets to tell his version of events usually makes a believable presentation. Subsequent questioning, however, may reveal another version of events that contradict his testimony. Both sides of a story must be told before making a judgment based on the evidence.
Ironside: “Most men can make out a good case for themselves if left alone; it has been natural for fallen man to justify himself since the day that Adam sought to throw the blame of his sin back on God. Therefore, to decide a case on one-sided testimony is almost certain to result in a miscarriage of justice.”
Proverbs 18:18 ¶ The lot causeth contentions to cease, and parteth between the mighty.
I liked the NLT: “Casting lots can end arguments and settle disputes between powerful opponents.” Reminder, in Israel the casting of lots was an accepted form of determining God’s will.
Proverbs 16:33 “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.”
If only that were the case today! Then the courts could not pervert justice and politicians would actually make wise decisions. And in the church, the professing body of believers, doctrine would not be in dispute.
Proverbs 18:19 ¶ A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
Solomon is basically saying it is very hard to reconcile with a brother or friend you have offended. We are hurt the worst when the hurt is inflicted by one we love and trust, and it is difficult to reestablish the closeness once enjoyed.
Clarke posits a different view: “Almost all the versions agree in the following reading: ‘A brother assisted by a brother, is like a fortified city; and their decisions are like the bars of a city….’ Unity among brethren makes them invincible; small things grow great by concord.” (Although I checked several translations, I could not affirm his statement concerning “almost all the versions.”)
Ironside’s wise words of warning to the Christian: “Remember, when tempted to perpetuate strife, the dishonor that will accrue to the name of the Lord.”
Proverbs 18:20 ¶ A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
Though the wording paints a picture of physical satisfaction, I think the truth of this proverb is related to the words we speak and spiritual satisfaction. It is true that all men eat to satisfy their appetite. It is also true that most people speak to satisfy their spiritual appetites—be they good or bad.
Henry quoting Bishop Patrick: "We ought to take as great care about the words we speak as we do about the fruit of our trees or the increase of the earth, which we are to eat; for, according as they are wholesome or unwholesome, so will the pleasure or the pain be wherewith we shall be filled.”
Proverbs 18:21 ¶ Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
As we have learned previously, the tongue wields great power—for good or for evil.
James 3:3–5 “Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”
Proverbs 12:25 “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”
Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Proverbs 16:24 “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
Proverbs 18:22 ¶ Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
This is an interesting proverb to come from Solomon, a man with 700 wives and 300 concubines.
1 Kings 11:1–3 “But king Solomon loved many strange women….And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.”
Though he disobeyed God’s command, it does not change the truth that he recorded through the inspiration of God’s Holy Spirit.
2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God….”
From the very beginning God intended marriage to be a blessing to both man and woman.
Genesis 2:18-24 “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him….And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man….Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
What he left unsaid, but was surely understood in Israel at that time, was that both parties should be unified in reverencing God through faith and obedience. Paul states that principle clearly in his letter to the Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 6:14 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”
Proverbs 18:23 ¶ The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.
I think Solomon is saying that most rich people show little mercy or regard for the poor. They are caught up in their own lives, giving little thought for those outside their own circle of friends. Thankfully, there are some among the rich and famous that show charity to the poor—but certainly far less than what they could.
Henry: “Poverty, though many inconveniences to the body attend it, has often a good effect upon the spirit, for it makes men humble and submissive, and mortifies their pride. It teaches them to use entreaties. When necessity forces men to beg it tells them they must not prescribe or demand, but take what is given them and be thankful. At the throne of God's grace we are all poor, and must use entreaties, not answer, but make application…as a pauper.”
Proverbs 18:24 ¶ A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
The translations certainly are different on this verse, but all generally fall along the lines of the NIV: “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” This is because the Hebrew for “friendly” states: “…to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e. bad (physically, socially or morally)….”
It is true that a person can have many so-called “friends” that prove false when you truly need the support and encouragement of a friend. They are called fair weather friends; friends in it for the good times, but not the bad. They are your friends for what you can do for them. When you no longer can benefit them, they will discard you like trash. I would certainly rather have one or two true friends than a hundred fair weather friends.