17 A friend is loving at all times, and becomes a brother in times of trouble.
18 A man without sense gives his hand in an agreement, and makes himself responsible before his neighbour.
19 The lover of fighting is a lover of sin: he who makes high his doorway is looking for destruction.
20 Nothing good comes to him whose heart is fixed on evil purposes: and he who has an evil tongue will come to trouble.
21 He who has an unwise son gets sorrow for himself, and the father of a foolish son has no joy.
22 A glad heart makes a healthy body, but a crushed spirit makes the bones dry.
23 A sinner takes an offering out of his robe, to get a decision for himself in a cause.
24 Wisdom is before the face of him who has sense; but the eyes of the foolish are on the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitter pain to her who gave him birth.
26 To give punishment to the upright is not good, or to give blows to the noble for their righteousness.
27 He who has knowledge says little: and he who has a calm spirit is a man of good sense. 28 Even the foolish man, when he keeps quiet, is taken to be wise: when his lips are shut he is credited with good sense.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 17:17-28
Commentary on Proverbs 17:17
(Read Proverbs 17:17)
No change of outward circumstances should abate our affection for our friends or relatives. But no friend, except Christ, deserves unlimited confidence. In Him this text did receive, and still receives its most glorious fulfilment.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:18
(Read Proverbs 17:18)
Let not any wrong their families. Yet Christ's becoming Surety for men, was a glorious display of Divine wisdom; for he was able to discharge the bond.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:19
(Read Proverbs 17:19)
If we would keep a clear conscience and a quiet mind, we must shun all excitements to anger. And a man who affects a style of living above his means, goes the way to ruin.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:20
(Read Proverbs 17:20)
There is nothing got by ill designs. And many have paid dear for an unbridled tongue.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:21
(Read Proverbs 17:21)
This speaks very plainly what many wise and good men feel very strongly, how grievous it is to have a foolish, wicked child.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:22
(Read Proverbs 17:22)
It is great mercy that God gives us leave to be cheerful, and cause to be cheerful, if by his grace he gives us hearts to be cheerful.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:23
(Read Proverbs 17:23)
The wicked are ready to part with their money, though loved, that they may not suffer for their crimes.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:24
(Read Proverbs 17:24)
The prudent man keeps the word of God continually in view. But the foolish man cannot fix his thoughts, nor pursue any purpose with steadiness.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:25
(Read Proverbs 17:25)
Wicked children despise the authority of their father, and the tenderness of their mother.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:26
(Read Proverbs 17:26)
It is very wrong to find fault for doing what is duty.
Commentary on Proverbs 17:27-28
(Read Proverbs 17:27-28)
A man may show himself to be a wise man, by the good temper of his mind, and by the good government of his tongue. He is careful when he does speak, to speak to the purpose. God knows his heart, and the folly that is bound there; therefore he cannot be deceived in his judgment as men may be.