Proverbs 17 · Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
2CHAPTER 17 Pr 17:1-28 . 1. sacrifices-- or, "feasts" made with part of them (compare Pr 7:14 ; Le 2:3 ; 7:31). with-- literally, "of." strife-- its product, or attendant.
32. (Compare Pr 14:35 ). causeth shame-- ( Pr 10:5 ). shall ... inheritance-- that is, share a brother's part (compare Nu 27:4 , 7 ).
43. God only knows, as He tries ( Psa 12:6 ; 66:10 ) the heart.
54. Wicked doers and speakers alike delight in calumny.
65. (Compare Pr 14:31 ). glad at calamities-- rejoicing in others' evil. Such are rightly punished by God, who knows their hearts.
76. Prolonged posterity is a blessing, its cutting off a curse ( Pr 13:22 ; Psa 109:13-15 ), hence children may glory in virtuous ancestry.
87. Excellent speech-- (Compare Margin). Such language as ill suits a fool, as lying (ought to suit) a prince ( Pr 16:12 , 13 ).
98. One so corrupt as to take a bribe evinces his high estimate of it by subjection to its influence ( Pr 18:16 ; 19:6 ).
109. seeketh love-- (Compare Margin). The contrast is between the peace-maker and tale-bearer.
1110. Reproof more affects the wise than severe scourging, fools.
1211. Such meet just retribution ( 1Ki 2:25 ). a cruel messenger-- one to inflict it.
1312. They are less rational in anger than wild beasts.
1413. (Compare Psa 7:4 ; 35:12 ). evil-- injury to another ( Pr 13:21 ).
1514. letteth ... water-- as a breach in a dam. before ... meddled with-- before strife has become sharp, or, by an explanation better suiting the figure, before it rolls on, or increases.
1615. abomination ... Lord-- as reversing His method of acting ( Pr 3:32 ; 12:2 ).
1716. Though wealth cannot buy wisdom for those who do not love it, yet wisdom procures wealth ( Pr 3:16 ; 14:24 ).
1817. To the second of these parallel clauses, there is an accession of meaning, that is, that a brother's love is specially seen in adversity.
1918. (Compare Pr 6:1-5; 11 :15). in the presence, &c.-- that is, he either fails to consult his friend, or to follow his advice.
2019. strife-- contention is, and leads to, sin. he that exalteth his gate-- gratifies a vain love of costly building. seeketh-- or, "findeth," as if he sought (compare "loveth death," Pr 8:36 ).
2120. The second clause advances on the first. The ill-natured fail of good, and the cavilling and fault-finding incur evil.
2221. (Compare Pr 23:24 ). Different words are rendered by "fool," both denoting stupidity and impiety.
2322. (Compare Pr 14:30 ; 15:13 ). The effect of the mind on the body is well known. medicine-- or, "body," which better corresponds with "bone." drieth-- as if the marrow were exhausted.
2423. a gift ... bosom-- Money and other valuables were borne in a fold of the garment, called the bosom. to pervert-- that is, by bribery.
2524. Wisdom ... him-- ever an object of regard, while a fool's affections are unsettled.
2625. a grief-- or cross, vexation (compare Pr 17:21 ; 10:1 ).
2726. Also-- that is, Equally to be avoided are other sins: punishing good subjects, or resisting good rulers.
2827-28. Prudence of speech is commended as is an excellent or calm spirit, not excited to vain conversation.