Proverbs 17 - Meaning, Themes & Application

Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.

The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.

A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.

Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.

Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

Proverbs 17:6 means family is a gift and a source of honor. Grandchildren are a joy and reward to grandparents, and children are proud when …

Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

Proverbs 17:9 means real love doesn’t keep replaying someone’s mistake. Instead of spreading what they did or bringing it up again to win arguments, you …

A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.

Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?

A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 17:17 emphasizes the value of true friendship and family support. It means that a real friend loves you consistently, while family is there to …

A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

Proverbs 17:18 warns against foolishly guaranteeing someone else’s debt or promise. It means a person lacking wisdom rushes into financial or legal commitments just to …

He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.

He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

Proverbs 17:20 means that a twisted heart and dishonest speech lead to trouble, not blessing. When you hold grudges, manipulate, or talk harshly—at home, at …

He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

Proverbs 17:21 means that raising a child who rejects wisdom and right living brings deep heartache to parents. It warns us to take character and …

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

Proverbs 17:22 means a joyful, hopeful attitude brings health and strength, while constant discouragement wears you down inside and out. It reminds us to guard …

A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

Proverbs 17:24 means wise people focus on the truth and responsibilities right in front of them, while foolish people are always chasing distant, unrealistic ideas. …

A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.

He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

Proverbs 17:27 means wise people don’t talk just to talk. They think before speaking and stay calm instead of reacting emotionally. In real life, this …

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Proverbs 17:28 means that staying quiet can make even an unwise person seem smart. It reminds us to think before we speak, especially when we’re …