Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 17:11 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. "
Proverbs 17:11
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
9 He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends.
10 A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool.
11 An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
12 Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
13 Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
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Here is the sin and punishment of an evil man.
His sin is this: he is truly evil when he keeps looking for chances to rebel against God, against the authority God has placed over him, and against the people around him. He stirs up quarrels and picks fights, as some have put it. There are people driven by a spirit of opposition, who contradict just for the sake of contradicting, and who keep walking stubbornly in their wicked ways even after every warning and restraint. A rebellious man seeks trouble, as some translate it. He watches for every opportunity to disturb the public peace.
His punishment is just as serious. Since he will not be corrected by gentle and patient means, a cruel messenger will be sent against him, some fearful judgment from God. God’s angels, his messengers, will serve as ministers of his justice against him (Psalm 78:49). Satan, the angel of death, may be let loose on him, along with Satan’s messengers. His ruler may send an officer to arrest him, or an executioner to put him to death. The one who kicks against the goads is waiting for the sword.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 17:1
"Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife."
Proverbs 17:2
"A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers."
Proverbs 17:3
"The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the hearts."
Proverbs 17:4
"An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue."
Proverbs 17:5
"Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished."
Proverbs 17:6
"Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children is their parents."
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