Proverbs 27:1-6

Praise and rebuke.
v.1-2 Let others praise you. Do not boast about tomorrow for you don't know what the day will bring forth (Lk 12:19-20, Jas 4:13-14). Turn to Christ today for this day could be your very last. Don't procrastinate until tomorrow what you can do today. Don't boast about yourself, let another praise you (2 Cor 10:18). Use your lips to praise and build up someone else, not to praise yourself.
v.3-4 A stone. A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, but the resentment (vexation) caused by a fools words and actions is even heavier. Wrath is cruel and anger is overwhelming (like a flood), but jealousy (envy) is even more dangerous.
v.5-6 Open rebuke. An open rebuke is better than hidden love (28:23). A rebuke allows one to consider the path he is walking on, while hidden love fails to communicate faults. The wounds of a friend are faithful and better than many kisses from an enemy. The kiss of Judas carried a traitorous venom. Rebukes are good and better than silent friendship.

Read Proverbs 27:1-6

Proverbs 26:23-28

Deceptive speech.
v.23 Glaze on pottery. Like glaze on pottery, so smooth words may cover a wicked heart. Take care not to be fooled by the liar.
v.24-26 Smooth words. He who hates disguises his speech but harbors deceit in his heart. Don't believe his speech for there are many evils in his heart. Though he may cover up his hatred with gracious words, his wickedness will ultimately be exposed to the community.
v.27 Fall into it. The man who digs a pit for his neighbor will fall into it. Never plot against others because it will fall upon yourself.
v.28 Lying tongue. A lying tongue hates its victims and a flattering tongue works ruin. Only pain and ruin will come from deception.

Read Proverbs 26:23-28

Proverbs 26:17-22

Using words carelessly.
v.17 Wild dogs. Don't meddle in someone else’s quarrel. Doing so is like grabbing a wild dog by the ears. In ancient Israel dogs were not domesticated and ran in wild scavenging packs. Grabbing one by the ears would be inviting serious harm.
v.18-19 Dangerous weapon. Don't deceive someone as a joke without regard for the consequences. This would be as damaging as a mad man shooting off a dangerous weapon. You should not play jokingly (or recklessly) with a dangerous weapon and likewise not with human relationships.
v.20-21 The fire goes out. A fire will go out if it lacks fuel (wood) to keep it going. Similarly, quarreling stops when there is no whisperer (gossip) (16:28). A quarrelsome person is the fuel to the fire of strife.
v.22 Words of gossip. The words of a gossip are like delicious food (chicken soup) that goes down deep into the soul (the inner parts). Essentially the same as 18:8. Gossip is seductive but the damage goes deep.

Read Proverbs 26:17-22

Proverbs 26:13-16

The Book of Sluggards (v.13-16).
v.13 A lion. The sluggard says "there is a lion in the road!" (so he doesn't have to go out and work). He may actually believe his comical excuse. Also in 22:13.
v.14 As the door turns. As the door turns on it's hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed. The door swings back and forth but goes nowhere. The sluggard is too lazy to get out of bed and take care of his affairs. See 6:9.
v.15 Too lazy to eat. The sluggard plunges his hand in the dish but is too lazy to lift it to his mouth to eat. Same as 19:24. This could also speak to one who starts a project but is too lazy to finish it.
v.16 Wise in his eyes. The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly. See v.12. The sluggard thinks he has life figured out, but he is basically lazy.

Read Proverbs 26:13-16

Proverbs 26:1-12

The Book of Fools.
v.1 Snow in summer. Honor is not associated with (or not to be given to) fools any more than rain at harvest time (1 Sm 12:17) or snow in the middle of summer. See also v.8. The fool is the stupid person who is worthless and vain (ebc).
v.2 Undeserved curse. Like a flitting sparrow or a flying swallow (i.e., birds never at rest), an undeserved curse will not land on it's intended victim (nlt). Blessing and cursing can have a real effect, but an undeserved curse does not.
v.3 A rod for the back. In this third simile in a row, we are told that as a whip is for a horse and a bridle for a donkey, so a rod is for the back of a fool. A fool is like an animal that can only be guided by force.
v.4-5 How to answer a fool. These two verses appear to contradict each other. v.4 says to not answer a fool according to his folly or you will become like him. v.5 says to answer a fool according to his folly or he may become wise in his own eyes. This illustrates that some proverbs are context sensitive, how you answer a fool depends on the situation. Thus v.4 and v.5 do not contradict each other, some issues are complicated and a single rule can't cover all of the terrain.
v.6 Fool’s message. Do not trust a fool to carry an important message. Doing so is like cutting off your feet (a messenger is like another pair of feet) or drinking violence (i.e., you will suffer harm). See also the lazy messenger at 10:26. You are better off not sending a message at all than sending it by a fool.
v.7 Fool’s proverb. A proverb in the mouth of a fool is like lame legs that hang uselessly. He does not understand it, cannot explain it or use it correctly, and has not implemented it in his life (even though he may repeat it).
v.8 Stupid stone. Like a man who binds a stone in the sling is one who give honor to a fool. The stone is suppose to be slung out of the sling and binding it in indicates that he doesn't know what he is doing and will suffer harm. Likewise giving honor to a fool will cause damage to your reputation when it becomes apparent to everyone that the fool was not worthy of the honor.
v.9 Foolish thorn. A proverb in the mouth of a fool is like a thorn in the hand of a drunkard (23:35). The fool apparently doesn't realize it applies to him. Like in v.7, he doesn't understand it or know how to use it.
v.10 Random archer. Like an archer that shoots at random, causing great harm, is an employer who hires a fool or a drunkard.
v.11 Vomit. Like a dog returning to his vomit is a fool repeating his folly. Though it may cause terrible consequences, yet he repeats it. See 2 Pt 2:21-22.
v.12 Wise in his eyes. There is more hope for a fool than for a man who is wise in his own eyes. A fool might recognize his folly and seek help, but the one who is wise in his own eyes will remain ignorant of his folly.

Read Proverbs 26:1-12

Proverbs 25:21-28

A quarrelsome wife and a north wind.
v.21-22 Burning coals. If your enemy is hungry or thirsty feed him; by doing so you may lead him to repentance (or, heap burning coals on his head) and the Lord will reward you. Feed him may mean physical or spiritual nourishment. Quoted in NT at Rom 12:20. See also Lk 6:27.
v.23 North wind. A north wind (in Palestine) brings unexpected and damaging rain; in much the same way, a backbiting tongue brings forth anger and damage.
v.24 Quarrelsome wife. Repeating 21:9, we are here told that it is better to live (alone) in a corner part of the attic than in the (lovely) house with a quarrelsome wife. The wise man will reflect on why his wife is being quarrelsome.
v.25-26 Cold water/muddied spring. Two proverbs linked by reference to water. Good news from a far country is refreshing like cold water (and what better good news than the love of Christ). A righteous man who yields to evil (perhaps accepting a bribe) is like a muddied spring or cloudy fountain of water (i.e., the water is no longer good).
v.27 Honey. It is not good to overindulge on honey (or sweets) (recall v.16), likewise it is not good to seek your own glory.
v.28 Self-control. A man who does not have self-control over his passions (anger, etc.), appetites (food, etc.), and will (wise decisions, etc.) is like a city broken into and left unprotected. See 16:32.

Read Proverbs 25:21-28

Proverbs 25:11-20

An appropriate word.
v.11-12 A good word. An appropriate word, spoken at the right time, is like golden apples on a silver tray. A wise reprover, offering valid criticism, is to a listening ear like golden jewelry. That is, it is wise to listen to timely criticism and advice (15:31).
v.13 Trustworthy messengers. A trustworthy messenger is like a cold snow on a hot summer day, cooling and refreshing the one who sent him. Also 13:17.
v.14 Promises, promises. In an agrarian society where rain is rare, it is a great disappointment when storm clouds bring no rain. The proverb likens this to a man who promises a gift but doesn't deliver. Jude 12 applies this image to false teachers.
v.15 Break a bone. With patience a ruler may be persuaded and a soft tongue will break a bone (i.e., stiff opposition can be broken down). See 15:1.
v.16-17 Moderation. Honey in moderation is good (v.27, 24:13-14) but too much can cause you to vomit, likewise don't visit your neighbor too often or he will come to hate you. Familiarity breeds contempt. Too much of a good thing will have negative consequences.
v.18-20 Liar, treacherous, insensitive. A series of three proverbs about three types of men. (1) A man who tells lies about his neighbor is like a sharp arrow that does much damage. (2) Trusting a treacherous man in a time of trouble is like a bad tooth. (3) He who sings to a heavy heart is like vinegar on soda.

Read Proverbs 25:11-20

Proverbs 25:1-10

More Solomonic Proverbs (25:1-29:27).
v.1 Hezekiah. This collection of Solomon’s proverbs was put together (collected) by the (wise) men of King Hezekiah of Judah (715-686 B.C.). Hezekiah revived Judah’s religious traditions (2 Kgs 18:3-7) and this apparently included an expanded version of the book of Proverbs.
v.2-3 Glory of kings. It is the glory of God to conceal things (God’s ways are beyond our understanding, Rom 11:33) and the privilege of kings to search them out. The ideal king will use his wisdom to investigate and understand the world and his people. No one can understand the heights of heaven, the depths of earth, or everything on a king’s mind and heart.
v.4-5 Pure silver. Take away the impurities in silver (by refining in fire) and it is ready for the silversmith to make a bowl. Likewise, remove the wicked from the king's court and his kingdom will be made secure in righteousness and justice. A little bit of impurity changes the properties of a metal, and a little bit of wickedness is detrimental to justice in the king's court.
v.6-7b Humility. These verses express the same idea Jesus taught in Lk 14:7-11, “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” It is better to have honor bestowed on you than wrongly assume it.
v.7c-10 Avoid court. Do not bring a case hastily into court against your neighbor, instead go to him and resolve it personally without revealing the secret (especially avoid gossip). Otherwise the neighbor will bring on you shame without end (perhaps defeating you in court or getting even). See Mt 18:15-20.

Read Proverbs 25:1-10

Proverbs 24:23-34

Further sayings of the wise (24:23-34).
These five sayings appear as an addendum to the thirty sayings of the wise (22:17–24:22).
v.23-25 (saying 1) Justice, no partiality. Courts and juries must render honest judgments (Ex 19:15). It is wrong to show any partiality when judging a case (e.g., because they are rich or the color of their skin, etc.). If you let the wicked go free you will be hated, but if you condemn the guilty you will be showered with blessings.
v.26 (saying 2) An honest answer. Giving an honest answer (16:24) treats one with respect and affection (this is not a sexual kiss, 1 Cor 16:20). It is wise to accept the correction given by a friend and if you are a friend you will give honest feedback.
v.27 (saying 3) Preparation. Prepare well (or plan carefully) before building your house. This can perhaps be understood as preparing now for life eternal by following wisdom (v.3) and believing in God's son Jesus. (Ps 127:1)
v.28-29 (saying 4) No paying back. This proverbs condemns a false witness and any deception in speech. (25:18) Do not “pay back” a neighbor for some past wrong. See also Mt 5:43-48.
v.30-34 (saying 5) Learn from a sluggard. An observer happens upon the field of a sluggard. He finds it run down and overgrown and learns an important lesson. A little sleep or slumber, or folding the hands for rest and poverty will come upon you suddenly, like a robber (6:10-11). Hard work is the antidote to poverty.

Read Proverbs 24:23-34

Proverbs 24:13-22

Saying 26-30: Don't envy the wicked.
v.13-14 (Saying 26) Sweet honey. Here we are told to eat honey because it is sweet to the taste (and nutritious/healing). In the same way wisdom is sweet to the soul, if you find it your future will be bright and your hope secure (see 23:18). Pursue wisdom because of its sweet rewards.
v.15-16 (Saying 27) Rise 7 times. Do not join the wicked man in doing an injustice against the righteous. The righteous will get up seven times after a fall, but the wicked stumble and do not get up in times of calamity. The seven times means that he will rise no matter how many times he falls. Augustine interprets "rises again" to mean he profits from the trials (accs). See Ps 145:14.
v.17-18 (Saying 28) Don't gloat. Do not be glad and rejoice when an enemy (presumably the wicked) falls, lest the Lord turn away his anger. The Lord has no pleasure at the death of the wicked (Ez 33:11). Jesus teaches us to love our enemies (Mt 5:43-48). Vengeance is from the Lord, not man.
v.19-20 (Saying 29) Don't envy. Do not worry about evil people, nor be envious (of their apparent prosperity), because they have no future (hope) (Ps 37:1-2) and their lamp will be put out (13:9) (i.e., sudden death).
v.21-22 (Saying 30) Fear the Lord. Fear (both) the Lord and the king (1 Pt 2:17) (the government) and do not consort (be friends with) with those who do not (political agitators); for disaster and ruin will overtake them suddenly (both the Lord and the king can be the agents of wrath).

This ends the thirty sayings of the wise (22:17-24:22).

Read Proverbs 24:13-22

Proverbs 24:1-12

Sayings 19-25: Wisdom and strength.
v.1-2 (Saying 19) Evil men. Do not desire to be like evil men nor to be with them (23:17, Ps 37:1-2). They devise trouble within their hearts (Ps 5:9) and will entangle you in it. See 1:10-19. Perhaps one of the greatest threats to a young man's morals is pressure from his peer group. Teach them that the righteous shall live by his faith (Hb 2:4b).
v.3-4 (Saying 20) Build a house. A house is built (and its rooms filled with precious wealth) by wisdom, understanding and knowledge. This is more than just and physical house, it also addresses family relationships. The needed wisdom, understanding and knowledge flow from the fear of the Lord (1:1-7). Recall also that God created the cosmos by his wisdom (3:19-20).
v.5-6 (Saying 21) The wise man is strong. Wisdom is the key to success in all areas of life. Victory in any endeavor requiring strength is ensured by wise guidance and an abundance of counselors. The wise are mightier than the strong (nlt).
v.7 (Saying 22) Wisdom. Wisdom is an unattainable treasure for a fool (14:6). He is at a loss for words when a word of wisdom is needed. Rulers need wisdom to rule (1 Kgs 3).
v.8-9 (Saying 23) Evil reputation. Those whose lives are characterized by evil plans get a reputation for it and are despised by mankind. The scheming of fools (any scheme the fool thinks up, gnt) is sin and they will be alienated from the community.
v.10 (Saying 24) Strength. Here we are exhorted to be strong in the face of adversity (Gal 6:9). See Heb 12:3. By implication, a wise man has strength under pressure, e.g. see Dn 3:16-18.
v.11-12 (Saying 25) Integrity of character. We must act with strength of character in the face of adversity, especially when the week and needy are in need of deliverance (Ps 82:4). A person's actions reveal the true state of his heart (and God certainly knows it) and we will be repaid according to our work.

Read Proverbs 24:1-12

Proverbs 23:22-35

Get the truth, wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
v.22-25 (Saying 16) Obtain truth. Listen to your parents and do not despise them when they are old. The parents of the righteous will rejoice; so let your father and mother be glad. Expend your energy on obtaining truth, wisdom, instruction (discipline), and understanding (good judgment) (see 4:5).
v.26-28 (Saying 17) Model virtue. The parent must model the virtue they want to impart in their children (observe my ways). A prostitute (and adulteress) is a dangerous trap and a robber. Avoiding sexual sin is another of the main themes of Proverbs (7:25-27).
v.29-35 (Saying 18) The folly of drunkenness. The one who drinks to excess will have woe, sorrow, strife, complaining, wounds without cause, and redness of eyes. Wine goes down smoothly, but in the end bits like a serpent. The drunk will see strange things, utter perverse things, and stumble around like on a vessel at sea. The saying ends with a little humor describing a drunk being beaten up but not feeling it and when he wakes up asking for another drink. Those led astray by drinking cannot be wise (20:1).

Sounds like a good prescription for young (or old) people: (1) Listen to your parents, (2) keep far from sexual sin, and (3) don't drink alcohol to excess.

Read Proverbs 23:22-35

Proverbs 23:15-21

Sayings 13-15: Fear the Lord and avoid slumber and drunkards.
v.15-16 (Saying 13) Follow wisdom. Children bring joy to parents when their heart follows wisdom and when they speak what is right and true. The child with a wise heart will make wise choices. See 10:1.
v.17-18 (Saying 14) Fear the Lord. Walk in the fear of the Lord and make pleasing him your priority. If you walk on that path there is hope in your (eternal) future. Don't envy sinners (Ps 37:1) and your hope will not be cut off. The fear of the Lord is the main theme of Proverbs (1:7).
v.19-21 (Saying 15) Do not slumber. Here the parent directs the child to be wise and walk in the way (of wisdom). Overindulgence in food (23:1-3), wine (23:19-35), or sleep (10:5) results in poverty.

Proverbs 23:15-21

Proverbs 23:9-14

Sayings 9-12: Appling your heart to wisdom.
v.9 (Saying 9) Advice to a fool. Don't give advice to a fool, he will just despise you for your good sense. Wisdom in a fool's ear is wasted breath. See 9:7-8 (don't bother correcting a mocker).
v.10-11 (Saying 10) Strong redeemer. Do not move the ancient landmark of your neighbor (22:28) or enter take the fields of the defenseless orphan. The Lord himself is their strong redeemer (Ps 119:154) and will plead their cause against you. The wise man will avoid any unfair business practice whether done surreptitiously or in the courts.
v.12 (Saying 11) Knowledge. Apply your heart to instruction and listen (very carefully) to words of knowledge. See 2:2-3. Wisdom cannot be obtained without dogged determination. Echos 22:17.
v.13-14 (Saying 12) Discipline. Warning to not withhold discipline (or instruction) from a child. If you spank him he will not die, but rather you will save his soul from Sheol. Discipline has character building as its goal, not merely behavioral change. You spank not out of anger, but out of a desire to teach your child good virtues. Discipline is rooted in love, 13:24.


Read Proverbs 23:9-14

Proverbs 23:1-8

Sayings 6-8: Deceptive delicacies.
v.1-3 (Saying 6) Deceptive food. Do not desire the delicacies of the rich man for they are deceptive. When dining with a ruler don't have a big appetite, carefully consider what is put before you (Ps 141:4).
v.4-5 (Saying 7) Don't try to get rich. Don't spend your energy trying to get rich, be wise enough to desist, for when you see it it sprouts wings and is gone. There are things in life more important than riches (8:18-21).
v.6-8 (Saying 8) The stingy man. Don't eat with a stingy man (28:22). They are always worrying about how much it costs. "Eat and drink," they say, but they don't mean it. You will vomit up what you have eaten.

Read Proverbs 23:1-8

Proverbs 22:22-29

The first five of thirty sayings.
v.22-23 (Saying 1.) Don't rob the poor. Do not rob the poor because he is poor and do not oppress the afflicted (Zec 7:10) because the Lord himself will plead their cause and rob the life from him who robs them. Be generous to the poor, 28:27.
v.24-25 (Saying 2.) Avoid the angry. Do not make friends with an angry or wrathful man (we are speaking of one characterized by anger/wrath) or you will learn his ways (or pick up his habits) and be caught in a snare yourself (or endanger your soul). The wise man will choose his friends very carefully. See 13:20 (we are influenced by those we associate with) and 1 Cor 15:33 (bad company corrupts good character).
v.26-27 (Saying 3.) Don't put up security. Do not guarantee (pledge/put up security) another man's debt. If you can't pay you may lose the coat off your back or the bed from under you (financial ruin). See 6:1-5 (don't put up security).
v.28 (Saying 4.) Landmarks. Do not move the ancient landmark that was set by your fathers (and thereby defraud your neighbor). See Dt 19:14 where the law prohibits this practice.
v.29 (Saying 5.) Skillful work. The man skillful in his work will stand before kings (and not some obscure men). Work hard and learn to work skillfully and you will work for the best people.

Read Proverbs 22:22-29

Proverbs 22:17-21

The Thirty Sayings of The Wise (Prv 22:17 - 24:22).

Prologue (v.17-21)
v.17-18 Pay attention. The student is instructed to hear the instructions of the wise and apply them to his heart. The result will be pleasant if he keeps them within himself and ready on his lips.
v.19 Trust in the Lord. One purpose of the sayings is that the student (even you) trust in the Lord God.
v.20-21 Counsel and knowledge. Another purpose of the 30 sayings (filled with advice and knowledge) is so that the student (or you) will know what is right and true and be able to give an answer to those who sent him (i.e., those who seek advice).

Read Proverbs 22:17-21

Proverbs 22:8-16

The eyes of the Lord keep watch.
v.8 Injustice. If you sow injustice (or, iniquity), you will harvest disaster and your ability to oppress others will come to an end. The wicked reap what they sow. See Jb 4:8 and especially Gal 6:7-8. (In the LXX there is an additional proverb after this verse: "God loves a cheerful giver...." quoted in 2 Cor 9:7.)
v.9 Bountiful giving. Whoever gives bountifully to the poor (i.e., food) will be blessed (enriched). See 19:17 (the Lord will repay) and 2 Cor 9:6 (reap bountifully). Compare Dt 15:7-11. Give to the poor generously.
v.10 The scoffer. The scoffer, who cannot be changed with discipline or instruction, must be driven out to end strife, quarreling and abuse.
v.11 The pure in heart. In contrast to the scoffer of the last verse, the pure in heart and gracious in speech will have the king as a friend (even a bad king wants someone with these traits as his counselor). Cf. Mt 5:8. It starts with a pure heart because words are a reflection of what is in the heart (16:23).
v.12 The eyes of the Lord. The Lord keeps watch over (protects) knowledge (teachings of wisdom) and so he overthrows the words of the faithless (so that truth alone endures). See 15:3.
v.13 The sluggard. "There is a lion outside, I'll be killed, so I think I'll take a nap." Lazy people will come up with any excuse for not working. (The reality of poverty is what will devour him not his imaginary lion.) See 26:13.
v.14 Forbidden woman. The mouth of the forbidden woman (her seductive words) is a deep pit (or dangerous trap) and he whom the Lord is angry with will fall into it. See also Eccl 7:26.
v.15 Discipline. A child's heart is bound up with folly, but the rod of discipline drives it from him. It takes discipline to turn foolishness into wisdom. See 13:24 (love disciplines).
v.16 Oppression of the poor. If you oppress the poor to increase your own wealth, or shower the rich with gifts (bribes?), you will come to poverty in the end. The only way to get ahead is hard work.

This ends the second collection of Solomon’s proverbs (15:30-22:16).

Read Proverbs 22:8-16

Proverbs 22:1-7

Humility and fear of the Lord.
v.1 A good name. Always choose a good reputation over great riches (Eccl 7:1a). A good name is much more valuable than a gold egg in a silver bowl. There is certainly nothing wrong with riches, but if you have to choose between the two, choose a good name. Wealth can quickly disappear, but a good name will last.
v.2 God's creation. The rich and the poor have something in common: the Lord of creation made both of them. Remember this and have mercy on the poor you come into contact with (14:31).
v.3 Prudence. The prudent man sees danger coming and avoids it (takes precautions) while the simple continues (blindly) on and suffers harm as a result (he walks right into it). Parallel in 27:12 and 14:16.
v.4 Reward. The humble and those who fear the Lord will have as a reward riches, honor and (long) life (or satisfying life, MSG). See 3:16 where Wisdom is said to offer riches and honor and a long life.
v.5 Thorns and snares. Watch out for the thorns and snares (dangers in life) that are in the way of the crooked (corrupt). If you guard (value) your soul (life) you will steer clear of them. See 15:19.
v.6 Train a child. Parents who train their children in the way (of wisdom) they should go will find that when they grow up they will stay on that path. See Eph 6:4.
v.7 The borrower. The borrower is the slave of the lender and the rich rule over the poor. This proverb is a warning to not be a borrower (or to guarantee someones debt). See Jas 2:6.

Read Proverbs 22:1-7

Proverbs 21:24-31

Sins of pride.
v.24 Pride: the scoffer. An arrogant, prideful, haughty man is called a "scoffer" (or mocker). Blessed is the man who stays away from scoffers (Ps 1:1). Scoffers refuse to learn from wisdom (13:1) and will be punished, 19:29.
v.25-26 The sluggard. The sluggard (lazy) refuses to do his labor and is overcome by his desires (13:4). He craves, craves, and craves all day long, while the righteous gives without holding back (the more you give the more you get, 11:24). His unfulfilled craving kills the sluggard.
v.27 Wicked sacrifice. The sacrifice of the wicked is unacceptable especially when he brings it with evil intent (also 15:8). If your heart is not right with God you gain nothing from a sacrifice. For Christians I understand this as hypocritical worship (vice wicked sacrifices). You must truly repent and worship God in spirit and truth (Jn 4:24).
v.28 False witness. A false witness will not stand (19:5); but the word of he who listens (to wisdom) will endure. This suggests that the false witness does not listen well.
v.29 Bold face. The wicked bluff their way through a situation, but the righteous think carefully before they speak and act.

Sovereignty of God.
v.30 Prevail. No wisdom, understanding or counsel (plan) can prevail against the Lord. See v.1.
v.31 Battle. The horse (main battle tank) is made ready for battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord. Military power is impotent without the Lord's blessing.

Read Proverbs 21:24-31

Proverbs 21:20-23

Pursue righteousness.
v.20 Precious treasure. The wise man has precious treasures in his house; but the fool devours all that he has. See 10:16. The wise accumulate wealth while the foolish squander it.
v.21 Pursue righteousness. If you pursue righteousness (and wisdom) you will find life, righteousness (or prosperity), and honor. See Mt 5:6 for Jesus' teaching on this. Only the Lord can grant a person life, prosperity, and honor.
v.22 Stronghold. The wise man brings down the stronghold of the mighty city. Wisdom is better than military power (Eccl 9:13-18).
v.23 Tongue. You will keep out of trouble if you bridle the tongue (keep your mouth shut). Similar idea on controlling tongue at 13:3 and Jas 3:2. The ability to control your tongue is a sure mark of wisdom.

Read Proverbs 21:20-23

Proverbs 21:9-19

Consequences and justice.
v.9 A quarrelsome wife. It is far better to live in a tiny corner of the attic than in a large, beautiful home with a quarrelsome wife (25:24). See v.19 below for a variation on this idea.
v.10 No mercy. The (desire of the) wicked man craves after only evil (4:16), his (needy) neighbor will see no mercy from him. Evil people are "addicted" to evil and let no one stand in the way of fulfilling their evil desires.
v.11 Punishment. The simpleminded learn by seeing the mocker punished (the mocker doesn't learn). The wise become even wiser when they receive a rebuke (instruction). See 19:25. The wise person never stops learning, but the mocker never learns (but should be punished anyway so the simple will learn by example).
v.12 Judgment is certain. The Righteous One watches the home (or heart) of the wicked and will bring him to ruin. God sees what the wicked do in the privacy of their homes and will punish them. The "Righteous One" could alternatively be understood as a righteous man with insight (perhaps a judge).
v.13 Cry of the poor. Whoever closes his ears to the cry of the poor and needy will also call out and not be heard (poetic justice). Illustrated by the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Lk 16:19-31. Be sensitive to the needs of the poor in your area.
v.14 A bribe. A secret gift (bribe) pacifies the wrath of an angry person (as in 17:8). This is an observation, not a recommendation to offer a bribe (which was prohibited by the law). Read in connection with the previous verse, the wicked will not give to the poor but will offer a bribe to pervert justice.
v.15 Justice. When justice is done, the righteous are joyful but the wicked are terrified. This is because God is just and the wicked will get the punishment they deserve in the end (10:29). Similar to the idea in Rom 13:3.
v.16 Lack of sense. The one who wanders away from good sense (away from the way of wisdom and knowledge) will end up with the company of the dead. Illustrated by the one falls in with the adulteress (2:16-19).
v.17 Poverty. Whoever loves pleasure, wine and oil will be a poor man. E.g. 23:19-21. From a practical standpoint, if you love luxury and wine you will not be saving for your future and may end up in poverty (irony).
v.18 Ransom. The wicked and traitors serve as ransom for the upright. The idea may be that the wicked receive punishment in place of the righteous or perhaps that they fall into traps they set for others.
v.19 Quarrelsome woman. Better to live (alone) in a desert than live in a home with a quarrelsome, complaining wife. Compare v.9 above.

Read Proverbs 21:9-19

Proverbs 21:4-8

Sins of a proud heart.
v.4 A proud heart. A proud heart is the lamp that guides the wicked. Haughty eyes (arrogant eyes that look down on others) and a proud heart are sin. The Lord hates pride. See 6:16-19.
v.5 Plans of the diligent. The plans of the diligent lead to an abundance (prosperity), but he who is hasty (and perhaps takes shortcuts) comes to poverty (28:22).
v.6 Snare of death. Getting riches with a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a snare of death. See similar thought in 13:11. Ill gotten gain will quickly disappear into thin air. Instead of the fortune they were looking for they find meaninglessness and death.
v.7 Violence. The wicked will be swept away by their own violence, because they don't act with justice. Innocent people are hurt by their violence, but they themselves will meet with a tragic end.
v.8 The crooked way. The guilty travel on the crooked (devious) way, but the way of the innocent is straight (pure). Character and deeds (way) tend to match.

Read Proverbs 21:4-8

Proverbs 21:1-3

The Lord weighs the heart.
v.1 Stream of water. The king's heart is like a stream of water that the Lord turns wherever he wills. Example in Ezr 6:22. Illustrates the sovereignty of God.
v.2 Way of a man. The ways of a man seem right in his own eyes, but the Lord weights the heart (to see motives). Repeated from 16:2.
v.3 Righteousness and justice. Righteousness and justice are more pleasing to the Lord than sacrifices. See Ps 40:6-8 and Mi 6:6-8. Godly actions flow from a godly heart.

Read Proverbs 21:1-3

Proverbs 20:22-30

Steadfast love and faithfulness.
v.22 Wait on the Lord. Do not say to yourself "I will repay this evil done against me," rather wait on the Lord and he will deliver you (Ps 27:14). For more see Rom 12:17-21.
v.23 False scales. False scales and weights used to cheat unwary buyers are an abomination to the Lord. Compare to 11:1, 16:11, and 20:10. Use honesty in all of your business dealings.
v.24 A man's steps. The Lord directs our steps, so how can we understand them? We will not understand all that happens to us, good or bad, but we can have hope in that God is in control (16:9).
v.25 Rash promises. Don't be trapped by making a rash or ill-advised promise to God and then only afterwards considering the cost. This is discussed further in Eccl 5:4-6.
v.26 Wise king. A wise king sorts out (winnows) who the wicked are in his kingdom in order to destroy them. Recall v.8. The wicked will be separated from the righteous and punished as in Mt 25:31-46.
v.27 The Lord's lamp. The lamp of the Lord (perhaps his word) penetrates the human spirit, searching all its inmost parts and exposing every motive (16:2).
v.28 Steadfast love. A king is preserved and his throne made secure by steadfast love and faithfulness. See Dt 7:7-11 for the Lord's steadfast love and faithfulness.
v.29 Gray hair. Young men glory in their strength; but the glory of the old is their gray hair. Prv 16:31 indicates that this gray hair (of experience) is gained by living a godly life.
v.30 Cleanse away evil. Blows that wound us cleanse our inmost parts and remove evil. This seems to refer to physical punishment (22:15) given to a young person.

Read Proverbs 20:22-30

Proverbs 20:18-21

Plans are established by counsel.
v.18 Use wise guidance. Establish your plans based on good counsel and wise guidance, see 15:22. Only wage war when you have wise advice on how to do so (and whether to do so), see 24:6 and Lk 14:31. There is wisdom in the consensus among leaders.
v.19 Slander. Do not associate with a babbling fool who goes about revealing secrets (gossip), see also 11:13. The less contact you have with a gossip the better off you are. If he is willing to talk to you about others, then he is willing to talk to others about you.
v.20 Father and mother. If you curse father or mother your light will be snuffed out. This echoes the commandment given in Ex 21:17. See Jesus' teaching in Mt 15:3-7.
v.21 Inheritance. An inheritance gained early in life may not be a blessing in the end. See the example of the prodigal son in Lk 15:11-32.

Read Proverbs 20:18-21

Proverbs 20:13-17

Business practices.
v.13 Laziness. Do not love sleep (laziness) or you will come to poverty. Keep your eyes open (active working) and there will be plenty to eat. See 10:4-6 and 24:33-34.
v.14 The buyer. This proverb observers that the (unethical) buyer says "bad, bad", but then goes away and boasts about his bargain. Look past a buyer's words to avoid being cheated.
v.15 Costly jewels. There is an abundance of gold and costly stones, but lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. The proverb indicates that words of wisdom are more valuable than gold.
v.16 Security for a stranger. Take a man's garment when he puts up security for a stranger or foreigner (repeated in 27:13). See 6:1-5.
v.17 Deceit. Food gained by deceit is sweet to a man at first, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel. Jb 20:12-18. The verse applies to anything obtained by fraud.

Read Proverbs 20:13-17

Proverbs 20:10-12

The Lord has made them both.
v.10 Weights and measures. Unequal weights and measures (double standards) are an abomination to the Lord. See also v.23 and 11:1. Vendors would sometimes use one set of weights for buying and another for selling (Dt 25:13-16).
v.11 A child. Even a child (like an adult) makes himself known by what he does, good or bad. Righteous conduct reveals righteous character. Parents should nurture the good conduct and correct the bad.
v.12 Eye and ear. The eye that sees and the ear that hears were both made by the Lord God (Ex 4:11, Ps 94:8-11). Our seeing and hearing are a gift from God.

Read Proverbs 20:10-12

Proverbs 20:5-9

A man of understanding.
v.5 Deep water. The purpose in a man's heart (perhaps advice or motive) is hard to discern, like deep water (profound thought), but a man of understanding will draw it out (like water out of a deep well). See 18:4.
v.6 A faithful man. Many men proclaim their own steadfast love (loyalty), but who is able to find a faithful (reliable) man? (Eccl 7:27-29) The true friend stands by you even through difficult times (17:17). The proverb indicates that it is rare (or impossible?) to find someone on whom you can really depend.
v.7 Integrity. Blessed are the children (descendants) of the righteous person (who believes in the Lord) who walks in integrity (lives out his life according to his faith), see e.g. Ps 112:1-2.
v.8 Judgment. The king who sits in judgment carefully distinguishes between the bad and the good. The wicked will be separated from the righteous and duly punished (v.26).
v.9 Pure heart. This is a rhetorical question (the answer is none). Wise people see their weaknesses but pride prevents the unwise from seeing their faults. No one is without sin (Rom 3:23).

Read Proverbs 20:5-9

Proverbs 20:1-4

Foolish behaviors.
v.1 Strong drink. It is unwise to be lead astray by too much strong drink (wine, beer, etc.). Too much alcohol clouds judgment and leads to foolish actions and words (and possibly addiction).
v.2 Angry people. The king's anger is like a roaring lion (imminent danger), whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life. One would do well to stay away from angry people.
v.3 Quarreling. It is an honor for a man to keep away from strife, but the fool is always quarreling (see 14:29). The honorable (humble) man practices conflict avoidance, it is foolish (caused by pride) to be quick to quarrel.
v.4 The sluggard. The sluggard does not plow in season and at harvest he will have no food (see 21:25-26). He wants a share of the income but will not put forth the effort.

Read Proverbs 20:1-4

Proverbs 19:25-29

Scoffers and knowledge.
v.25 Correction. Don't neglect to correct (punish/flog) the scoffer because the simple-minded will learn a lesson. Correct (rebuke) the wise and he will learn to be even wiser. See 17:10 and 21:11 for similar proverbs.
v.26 Shame and reproach. A son who brings shame and disgrace is the one who does violence to (mistreats, robs) his father and chases away his mother. See 20:20. Children should take care of their elderly or sick parents. Children are also to honor their mother and father (Ex 20:12).
v.27 Words of knowledge. Solomon instructs his son that if he ceases to hear instruction he will turn his back on knowledge (see 5:1-2). He of course means "do not cease to hear instruction."
v.28 Mouth of the wicked. A false witness is a mockery to justice (v.5). The mouth of the wicked devours (gulps down ,NIV) falsehood and iniquity (Jb 15:16).
v.29 Condemnation. Make no mistake about it: fools will be punished. For the rod on the backs of fools see also 10:13. Punishment is made for the scoffer. v.28 and v.29 can be considered together. The false witness identified in v.28 and the appropriate punishment in v.29.

Read Proverbs 19:25-29

Proverbs 19:15-24

Discipline and wisdom.
v.15 The lazy fool. Lazy people may sleep soundly but their idleness will keep them hungry. See 6:10-11, 24:33-34. The lazy fool wastes time needed to provide for himself and his family.
v.16 Commandments. Keep the commandments (or instructions) and keep your life, whoever despises them will surely die (or perhaps who despises his actions, not caring about the consequences). Here the commandments may refer to the law of Moses (see Dt 28:15-19) but could also mean the instruction of Wisdom (or even the instruction of parents).
v.17 Generosity. He who is generous to the poor lends to the Lord who will surely pay him back (or reward him). See also 28:27 and Lk 6:38. You will not necessarily get your money back, the reward refers to prosperity in general.
v.18 Discipline. Discipline your children, for there is hope for them, otherwise you are ruining their lives (or contributing to their death). See 13:24. Do not let your children grow up stupid, they must be trained in wisdom.
v.19 Hot temper. A hot tempered man must pay the penalty, if you rescue him once, you will have to do it again and again. Unless he changes, you will always need to bail him out. While the son must be corrected with discipline (v.18), the hot-head must be corrected by allowing him to face the consequences of his actions.
v.20 Wisdom. Listen to advice and instruction so that you may gain wisdom (see 4:1-2 and 12:15). Gaining wisdom is a life long task. Live each day with "the end" in view.
v.21 Plans in the mind. Many are the plans in the mind of a man (or woman), but the purposes of the Lord will prevail (Ps 33:10-11 and Prv 16:1,4,9).
v.22 Steadfast love. What is needed/desired in a man is steadfast (or loyal) love and a poor man is better than a lier (see v.1).
v.23 Fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord leads to restful (content) life (with blessings and prosperity) without harm (i.e., with security). See 14:27.
v.24 The sluggard. The lazy man takes food in the hand but won't even lift it to his mouth (26:15). He starves in spite of opportunity available to him (spiritually or materially).

Read Proverbs 19:15-24

Proverbs 19:10-14

Good sense and family.
v.10 The fool. It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury (a good life of pleasure) or a slave to rule over princes. The consequence of such is social chaos. See also 26:1, Eccl 10:5-7.
v.11 Slow to anger. It shows good sense to be slow to anger (cf. v.19) and to overlook an offense brings you respect. See 12:16 and 14:29. A man of wisdom is a man of patience and even-temperance. God is slow to anger, Mi 7:18.
v.12 A king's wrath. A king's wrath is like a growling lion, but his favor is like fresh dew on the grass. A lion's roar is an indication of imminent danger. Dew on the grass is soothing, refreshing and contributes to growth. Similar to 16:14-15. See also 20:2. It is wise to avoid provoking the anger of someone in authority.
v.13 A dysfunctional family. The foolish son is the ruination of his father (see 17:25) and a quarreling wife is as irritating as a constantly dripping faucet (see 21:9). A foolish son and a quarreling wife bring chaos to a family.
v.14 A functional family. Wealth (and a house) is inherited from your father, but a good (prudent) wife comes from the Lord (see 18:22). The wise man will look to the Lord for an understanding wife.

Read Proverbs 19:10-14

Proverbs 19:1-9

Walk in integrity.
v.1 Better poor with integrity. It is better to be poor and walk in integrity than to be crooked in speech (perverse) and a fool. Wealth gained by dishonest means will not prevent harm and it is only temporary. See also 28:6. Walk in faith and follow honesty even if it leads to poverty.
v.2 Desire without knowledge. It is not good to have desire (enthusiasm for some course of action) without knowledge (Rom 10:2) because haste in acting (without regard to moral consequences) results in mistakes (especially hastening to make money). Don't rush into making decisions and always consider the consequences.
v.3 Folly. This proverb observes that when a man's foolishness brings him to ruin, he rages against the Lord (which is also folly). See Is 8:20-22.
v.4 Wealth. Wealth brings many new "friends," but a poor man is deserted by his (only) friend. See also 14:20 and v.7 below. People chase the rich so that they might get something out of it, they avoid the poor for fear the poor might be trying to gain something from them. This is merely an observation of a situation without wisdom.
v.5 False witness. A false witness and one who tells lies will not escape their due punishment. See also v.9 below. The Lord hates a false witness 6:16-19. The punishment must transcend the grave since a truthful witness dies as well (Waltke).
v.6 Seeks favor. Many people seek the favor (and friendship) of the generous man (or ruler) who gives good gifts. See 18:16, 29:26. This is another observation proverb.
v.7 A poor man. A poor man's brothers (relatives) hate him and his friends go far from him. Though he pursues them with words, it is in vain. See v.4 and 14:20. The plight of Job is a good example of superficial friends abandoning a poor man in his time of need.
v.8 Got understanding? It is in your self-interest to get understanding. Why? it helps you to prosper in your way. 16:20 is similar. Good sense is profitable to both your physical and spiritual life.
v.9 False witness. This proverb virtually repeats v.5. A false witness will not escape punishment (he will perish). See Ex 20:16.

Read Proverbs 19:1-9

Proverbs 18:20-24

The power of the tongue.
v.20 Fruit of the lips. From the fruit of the lips the stomach is satisfied (that is you will eat your own words, an oxymoron). If you speak with wisdom you will be satisfied with good things (see also 12:14).
v.21 Life and death. Life and death are in the power of the tongue and we will eat of the fruit thereof (good or bad). See 13:3. The ability to control one's tongue is a mark of wisdom.
v.22 Wife. Finding a wife is a good thing (see 12:4) and the one who finds her obtains favor from the Lord. Prv 8:35 says that he who finds wisdom obtains favor from the Lord. See also 31:10. A good marriage is a gift from above.
v.23 The poor and the rich. The poor man pleads for mercy, but the rich man answers harshly. The verse observes that poverty and riches cause conflicts between people.
v.24 Many companions. A man of many companions may come to ruin but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. See 17:17. Choose your friends carefully.

Read Proverbs 18:20-24

Proverbs 18:13-19

Speech and quarrels.
v.13 Too quick to speak. If a man gives his answer before he hears the entire situation it is folly (or stupidity) and is great shame. Listen to the facts before providing an answer. Fools speak without really listening and reflecting on what they hear (15:28).
v.14 A crushed spirit. A man's spirit can endure sickness (or his spirit will sustain him during illness), but not a crushed spirit. See 15:13. A crushed spirit pictures depression with a broken will and emotional pain.
v.15 An intelligent heart. The wise, intelligent heart (eagerly) seeks out and acquires knowledge. This knowledge will come by listening to a teacher (and studying the word). See also 15:14 and 14:6. The implication is that one must be wise to seek after wisdom and must have knowledge to seek after and find knowledge. We infer from this that wisdom comes from God alone.
v.16 A gift. A man's gift brings him before the great and makes room for him in some setting. The gift opens doors that would be closed to the one without means. Proverbs cautions against a bribe, but the gift here seems to be seen in a positive light (or perhaps the proverb is just stating the result of human nature).
v.17 The first to state his case. The first man who is able to state his case seems right until the other party arrives and provides a new perspective on it (and has opportunity to cross examine witnesses). This serves as a warning to hear both sides of a case (and allow direct cross examination) before coming to any conclusions.
v.18 Roll the dice. The lot ("random" roll of the dice) puts a quarrel between powerful contenders to an end. Of course conflicts are to be avoided in the first place. The lot expresses a divine decision 16:33.
v.19 A brother offended. A brother offended is a determined and unyielding adversary. Conflicts are like the strong (unyielding) bars on a castle. Walls are easy to build but hard to demolish.

Read Proverbs 18:13-19

Proverbs 18:9-12

The Lord is a strong tower.
v.9 Destroyer. This proverb equates the one who is slack in his work to one who destroys. Lazy people are destructive to themselves and society as a whole. Laziness also causes poverty and hunger (See 10:4).
v.10 Safety. For the righteous man, the (name of the) Lord is a strong tower who he runs to and is safe. See Ps 18:2. The Lord is fully able to protect those who trust in him. The strong tower is like a storehouse that due to height and strength was impregnable.
v.11 The rich man. In contrast to v.10, here the rich man trusts in his money as his strong tower, but it is only a strong tower in his imagination. See also Ps 49.
v.12 Humility. Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor. See 11:2 or 29:23 for similar thoughts.

Read Proverbs 18:9-12

Proverbs 18:1-8

Speech and fools.
v.1 Antisocial. Whoever isolates himself (antisocial behavior) seeks after selfish desires (schismatic) breaking out against (snarl) wisdom and resourcefulness (sound judgment).
v.2 Understanding. The fool has no interest in wisdom, he just wants to express his own opinion. He is in love with his opinions and loves to spew them out. He asks questions not to learn wisdom but to show how clever he is. See 12:23.
v.3 Disgrace. The wicked bring with them contempt, dishonor and disgrace. The point seems to be that punishment for the wicked comes in part from the community (shame and disgrace). See 11:2.
v.4 Deep waters. Deep waters speak of profound words flowing from the wise while the bubbling brook speaks of refreshing, beneficial words (and perhaps: life giving). See 10:11. Another reading (Waltke) says the deep waters of an ordinary man are unfathomable and potentially dangerous, while the words of the wise are readily accessible and nurture life.
v.5 Justice. It is bad to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous (or innocent) of justice, see 17:15. The law prohibited favoritism of any kind, see Lv 19:15.
v.6 A beating. A fool's speech walks him into a fight and invites a beating. We should consider carefully what we say. Turn anger away with a kind word (15:1).
v.7 The fool's mouth. The mouth of a fool gets him into all kinds of trouble (ruin). See also 10:14. His lips are a snare to his soul (bringing on calamity).
v.8 A whisperer. The words of a whisperer (gossip/rumors) are like candy that goes down deep into the body (stimulating a desire for more). Also 26:22.

Read Proverbs 18:1-8

Proverbs 17:25-28

A man of understanding.
v.25 Foolish son. A foolish son brings grief and bitterness on his parents. Motivation for parents to train a child in wisdom. See 10:1 and v.21.
v.26 Impose a fine. It is not good to impose a fine on a righteous man. Corrupt judges are perhaps again in view here. See v.15. The next part of the verse continues the thought by saying it is not good to strike a noble man for his uprightness.
v.27 A cool spirit. A man who restrains his words has knowledge (wisdom). And the one with a cool spirit (coolheaded) has understanding. Restraint in words gives one time to consider what to say.
v.28 The silent fool. Even a fool is considered wise/intelligent when he keeps silent. Silence is evidence of wisdom and a fool is better off to keep silent and not expose his folly. See Jb 13:5.

Read Proverbs 17:25-28

Proverbs 17:21-24

Toward wisdom.
v.21 Father of a fool. The father of a fool has many sorrows and no joy. See v.25 and 19:13. The effects of folly are felt through the family and others. Even drying up the bones (v.22). Verse 23:14 councils punishing him with a rod to save his soul.
v.22 A joyful heart. A joyful heart is good medicine (enhances healing). This contrasts with a crushed spirit which dries up the bones (meaning the body). See similar verse at 14:30. Your emotional well-being (or lack thereof) has physical effects.
v.23 Bribes. Bribes pervert justice and only the wicked man will accept a secret bribe. The wicked man is here perhaps a corrupt judge (both giver and receiver are wicked). The fact the bribe is given in secret testifies that it is not proper.
v.24 Toward wisdom. The discerning sets his heart and mind towards wisdom. But the eyes of a fool are all over the place (and therefore not towards wisdom).

Read Proverbs 17:21-24

Proverbs 17:16-20

A fool and his money.
v.16 Wisdom. What use is money in the hand of a fool (perhaps to pay for schooling) since he does not desire to learn wisdom. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Prv 9:10). But fools say in their heart there is no god (Ps 14:1). Therefore a fool doesn't have it in his heart to learn wisdom.
v.17 Friend and brother. During trying times and adversity, a friend and/or a brother will stick with you through thick and thin. Faithful love is present even during adversity. Compare 18:24b.
v.18 Pledge. The one who lacks sense (or judgment) puts up a pledge of security for a neighbor. You will end up in poverty if you cannot pay. Wisdom extends to business relationships as it does to all areas of life. See Prv 6:1-5.
v.19 Quarreling. The one who loves to quarrel loves sin. Perhaps referring to a hot-tempered man, the proverb indicates that he will commit many and varied sins. The second part of the proverb says that building strong defenses invites attack.
v.20 A crooked heart. A man with a crooked or perverse heart will not prosper and the lier will find calamity in his path. This proverb is in contrast to many which say the opposite about the wise. Only the righteous find good.

Read Proverbs 17:16-20

Proverbs 17:12-15

Breaching a dam.
v.12 She bear. A she bear robbed of her cubs (2 Sm 17:8, Hos 13:8) is certain to attack you. But it is better to fall into that situation than into a situation with a fool and his (wicked) folly. The fool's stupid decisions might cause you great harm.
v.13 Evil for good. If you give back evil for the good someone has done you, evil will not depart from your house. An example is the house of David 2 Sm 12:10-11. Note that the verse does not say to return evil for evil (Rom 12:17).
v.14 A bursting dam. Starting a quarrel is like bursting a dam (once the leak of water starts, it is hard to bring under control). So drop a matter before a fight about it breaks out. You may cause many unforeseen consequences.
v.15 Abomination. Both justifying the wicked (or guilty) and condemning the righteous (or innocent) are an abomination to the Lord. Perhaps in view is the perverting of justice due to a bribe. The Lord is a God of justice. See also Prv 18:5.

Read Proverbs 17:12-15

Proverbs 17:7-11

Excellent speech.
v.7 Eloquent fool. It is not right for a fool, whose speech is often destructive, to have an eloquent manner of speech. This would increase the amount of damage done. Even more wrong is for honorable person to have lying lips.
v.8 Magic stone. A bribe is a magic stone in the eyes of the one using it and it prospers him. This bribe is not commended here, it is good in the eyes of the one using it. It may also be viewed as a "gift that opens doors." The law prohibited taking bribes (Ex 23:8) because they distort justice.
v.9 Cover an offense. The true friend buries a wrong done to him for the sake of love (10:12). Repeating the matter (i.e., gossip) will separate close friends.
v.10 A hundred blows. Fools commit acts worthy of punishment, but a man of discernment gets more instruction out of a rebuke than the fool does out of his punishment. See 9:8-9. Is criticism therefore more effective than physical punishment?
v.11 A cruel messenger. The "cruel messenger" (or merciless official, NIV) will be sent against the evil man who seeks rebellion. This cruel messenger could be someone sent by the king, or perhaps a storm (force of nature), pestilence, or some severe misfortune.

Read Proverbs 17:7-11

Proverbs 17:1-6

The Lord tests hearts.
v.1 A dry morsel. It is better to have very little with peace and quiet than to have much wealth with strife and envy. See Prv 15:17. Abundance can often bring a deterioration of moral standards. Good social relationships are preferable to wealth.
v.2 Brothers. A wise (perhaps faithful, prudent) servant will be honored more highly than a disgraceful son. This indicates that the disgraceful son will be disinherited in favor of the wise servant.
v.3 Testing. That the Lord tests the hearts of men is compared to a furnace trying precious metals. The purpose of the furnace is to purify the metal. The impurities are skimmed from the top leaving the pure metal. God will put you in difficult situations to reveal your sins (which you can then repent of).
v.4 The evildoer. The wicked man will listen to lying, malicious lips (lies, slander, gossip, rumors, false accusations, ...). The implication is that the righteous man will not listen to malicious lips. For example, if you listen to gossip you are as guilty as the one spreading it.
v.5 Mocking the poor. By mocking the poor man you are also mocking the poor man's maker (God) and will be punished. The same results if you are glad (or gloat) at another man's calamity/disaster. See 24:17.
v.6 Grandchildren. Getting back to the family now, this proverb tells us that grandchildren are the crown of the aged. Likewise parents are the pride of their children.

Read Proverbs 17:1-6