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: King James Version
" An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent "
Proverbs 17:11
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent
12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
13 Whoso rewardeth 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.
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From This Chapter
Proverbs 17:1
"Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife."
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."
Proverbs 17:3
"The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts."
Proverbs 17:4
"A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue."
Proverbs 17:5
"Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished."
Proverbs 17:6
"Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers."
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