Practical Proverbs

Proverbs 17:1-12

“Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.” (Proverbs 17:1)

One of the biggest factors affecting our health is stress.  It affects our sleep, our digestion, our emotional state, and our immune system.  Solomon repeatedly points out that an environment with minimal stress even if it means living in poverty is better than great wealth with constant turmoil and stress. 

“A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.” (Proverbs 17:2)

Many times parents spend so much getting a child who will not do what is right out of trouble, that there is nothing left for him when they die, or they figure he has already received more than his share and leave him nothing.   Knowing their child will not take care of it they may assign an executor the child is accountable to in charge of their estate, giving him a portion of the estate or a certain amount of income because they trust him. 

“The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.” (Proverbs 17:3)

Because gold is so heavy, and melts at t rather low temperature, when it melts, it runs out the bottom of material in the furnace and can be collected in a depression in the bottom as pure gold.  Silver is similar in weight to other metals, and has a similar melting point, but is less reactive to oxygen, so when melted in a pot for a prolonged period, the other metals oxidize and rise to the surface where they can be skimmed off, leaving pure silver.   God is able to identify a pure heart attitude in a similar way. 

“A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.” (Proverbs 17:4)

People who do wrong prefer to listen to people who tell them what they are doing is okay, even when they know he lies about other things.  By listening to the stories of other people’s wicked actions and ideas, a liar is able to convince himself that his lies don’t matter. 

“Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.” (Proverbs 17:5)

God created every person on earth.  Making fun of them because they are poor is in effect saying God was not just, making some better or smarter than others.   People who are glad to see others having problems inevitably consider themselves better than the other person and their pride will be punished. 

“Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.” (Proverbs 17:6)

People’s grandchildren are usually the apple of their eyes, and they talk about them at any opportunity.  To his children, a good father is the greatest person on earth.  The present day attitude about divorce destroys a relationship that children need.

“Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.” (Proverbs 17:7)

A good vocabulary and ability to express himself makes it obvious a Person has had the opportunity to learn to make wise choices and has no excuse for foolish behavior.  In a similar fashion, lies by a person who has attained a level of prestige and respect make it appear he doesn’t deserve it. 

“A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.” (Proverbs 17:8)

Receiving a gift is like finding a jewel.  It cost you nothing but it will give pleasure no matter how it is utilized.    

“He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.” (Proverbs 17:9)

A person who conceals wrongdoing wants favors from the one he does it for.  A person who goes around repeating gossip causes strife and conflict, even between the best of friends.   Far too often it is done deliberately.

“A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.” (Proverbs 17:10)

There is an old joke about a man training a mule.  When asked why he just walked up and hit the mule with a club on the head, he said the first step is to get his attention.  Just a simple word will get a wise persons attention but hitting a fool over the head a hundred times may not work because he doesn’t want to listen.

“An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.” (Proverbs 17:11)

Wicked people look for an opportunity to do wrong.  Sooner or later, someone will retaliate or God will bring judgment.  As the saying goes, “what goes around, comes around.”

“Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.” (Proverbs 17:12)

It is easier to reason with an angry she bear trying to protect her cubs than it is with a fool determined to do something dumb.   Don’t waste your time trying.  They won’t listen to anything that doesn’t support their ideas.