United Commentaries

Pr.17.2

Wisdom is so much more important than privilege that if children act like fools, a wise servant will rise to prominence over the household.

Pr.17.3

The Lord’s refining fire (see Ps 66:10; Jer 9:7; Mal 3:2-3) separates what is precious from the impurities in a person’s heart (cp. Prov 16:2; 21:2; 27:21).

Pr.17.4

Lies (6:16-19; 14:5, 25; 25:18), gossip (11:13; 18:8), and slander (10:18) distort reality for malicious purposes.

Pr.17.5

To make fun of what God created is to mock God.

Pr.17.6

Only those who have been blessed with a long life live to become grandparents, and the continuation of the family line is a sign of God’s blessing (see Gen 12:1-3).

parents: Literally fathers. This proverb applies to both fathers and mothers.

Pr.17.9

Maintaining a good relationship with another person means forgiving rather than dwelling on faults.

Pr.17.10

The wise will listen to a mild rebuke and act on good advice. Even harsh correction (a hundred lashes) will not change a fool.

Pr.17.11

Rebellion flows from the inner character of evil people who defy the punishment that will follow.

Pr.17.12

This saying cautions those who try to teach fools. A fool caught in foolishness will react with anger and violence.

Pr.17.14

opening a floodgate: Once a quarrel starts, it is very difficult to stop it; a dispute should be avoided if at all possible (see 10:12; 15:18; 16:28; 20:3; 22:10; 26:21).

Pr.17.18

The essence of this message is repeated in 6:1-5; 11:15; 20:16; 22:26; 27:13.

Pr.17.19

high walls: Foolish confidence in the ability to win a fight emboldens people to engage in disastrous arguments.

Pr.17.24

Wisdom is not a natural quality but must be pursued. Sensible people persistently cultivate wisdom, but a fool’s eyes cannot stay focused.

Pr.17.25

Foolish children: This proverb is equally true of sons and daughters.