17 A friend loves at all times , And a brother is born for adversity .
18 A man lacking in sense pledges e And becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor .
19 He who loves transgression loves strife ; He who raises his door seeks destruction .
20 He who has a crooked mind finds no good , And he who is perverted in his language falls into evil .
21 He who sires a fool does so to his sorrow , And the father of a fool has no joy .
22 A joyful heart is good medicine , But a broken spirit dries up the bones .
23 A wicked man receives a bribe from the bosom To pervert the ways of justice .
24 Wisdom is in the presence of the one who has understanding , But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth .
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father And bitterness to her who bore him.
26 It is also not good to fine the righteous , Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness .
27 He who restrains his words has knowledge , And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding . 28 Even a fool , when he keeps silent , is considered wise ; When he closes his lips , he is considered prudent .
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.