17 A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity.
18 It is senseless to give a pledge, to become surety for a neighbor.
19 One who loves transgression loves strife; one who builds a high threshold invites broken bones.
20 The crooked of mind do not prosper, and the perverse of tongue fall into calamity.
21 The one who begets a fool gets trouble; the parent of a fool has no joy.
22 A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.
23 The wicked accept a concealed bribe to pervert the ways of justice.
24 The discerning person looks to wisdom, but the eyes of a fool to the ends of the earth.
25 Foolish children are a grief to their father and bitterness to her who bore them.
26 To impose a fine on the innocent is not right, or to flog the noble for their integrity.
27 One who spares words is knowledgeable; one who is cool in spirit has understanding. 28 Even fools who keep silent are considered wise; when they close their lips, they are deemed intelligent.
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.