Every Man's Bible - Proverbs - Flipbook - Page 26
Proverbs 17 | page 852
21
The wise are known for their
understanding,
and pleasant words are persuasive.
22
Discretion is a life-giving fountain to
those who possess it,
but discipline is wasted on fools.
23
From a wise mind comes wise speech;
the words of the wise are persuasive.
24
Kind words are like honey—
sweet to the soul and healthy for
the body.
25
There is a path before each person that
seems right,
but it ends in death.
26
It is good for workers to have an appetite;
an empty stomach drives them on.
27
Scoundrels create trouble;
their words are a destructive blaze.
28
A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;
gossip separates the best of friends.
29
Violent people mislead their companions,
leading them down a harmful path.
30
With narrowed eyes, people plot evil;
with a smirk, they plan their mischief.
31
Gray hair is a crown of glory;
it is gained by living a godly life.
32
Better to be patient than powerful;
better to have self-control than to
conquer a city.
33
We may throw the dice,*
but the LORD determines how they fall.
17
1
Better a dry crust eaten in peace
than a house filled with
feasting—and conflict.
2
A wise servant will rule over the master’s
disgraceful son
and will share the inheritance of the
master’s children.
3
Fire tests the purity of silver and gold,
but the LORD tests the heart.
16:33 Hebrew We may cast lots.
4
Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip;
liars pay close attention to slander.
5
Those who mock the poor insult their
Maker;
those who rejoice at the misfortune
of others will be punished.
6
Grandchildren are the crowning glory
of the aged;
parents* are the pride of their children.
7
Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool;
even less are lies fitting for a ruler.
8
A bribe is like a lucky charm;
whoever gives one will prosper!
9
Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,
but dwelling on it separates close
friends.
10
A single rebuke does more for a person
of understanding
than a hundred lashes on the back
of a fool.
11
Evil people are eager for rebellion,
but they will be severely punished.
12
It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs
than to confront a fool caught in
foolishness.
13
If you repay good with evil,
evil will never leave your house.
14
Starting a quarrel is like opening a
floodgate,
so stop before a dispute breaks out.
15
Acquitting the guilty and condemning
the innocent—
both are detestable to the LORD.
16
It is senseless to pay to educate a fool,
since he has no heart for learning.
17
A friend is always loyal,
and a brother is born to help in time
of need.
18
It’s poor judgment to guarantee another
person’s debt
or put up security for a friend.
17:6 Hebrew fathers.
16:33 There is no such thing as luck. All that happens in our lives, even the seemingly random toss of a
coin, is under the watchful eye and guiding hand of our sovereign God. It is a challenge to our faith to trust
that God is truly in control and that he cares about all the details of our lives. But we must remember that
“we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called
according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28).
17:17 A true friend will stick beside us during the hard times. Building such relationships will help us in
our spiritual growth. We all need to be able to express our needs and concerns to someone who will care
and encourage us in our path toward change.
