Geneva Study Bible - Proverbs 17:24
17:24 Wisdom [is] before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool [are] in the {m} ends of the earth.(m) That is, wander to and fro, and seek not after wisdom. read more
17:24 Wisdom [is] before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool [are] in the {m} ends of the earth.(m) That is, wander to and fro, and seek not after wisdom. read more
In these chapters we have a series of exhortations to a life of godliness expressed in general terms about as follows: 1. Confidence in God as a wise ruler (chap. 16) 2. A disposition of peacefulness and contentment (chap. 17) 3. The virtues of affability, fidelity, and others of a social nature (chap. 18) 4. Humility and meekness (chap. 19) 5. Sobriety, diligence and kindness (chap. 21) 6. Justice, patience, submission (chap. 21) 7. The attainment and preservation of a good name (chap. 22) 8.... read more
"Excellent Speech," Etc. Proverbs 17:7 , Proverbs 17:9 , Pro 17:17 By "excellent speech" we are to understand superfluous or pretentious words; and by "a fool" we are to understand a vile person. Discrepancy between words and character should always be pointed out as a most vicious fault. The words and the character should be equal to one another; so should the sermon and the preacher, that is to say, the sermon should not be read, or delivered as if it did not belong to the preacher, but... read more
A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend. He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction. He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief. He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy. A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. A wicked man taketh a gift out of the... read more
Earth. Wandering and insatiable, and deeming the acquisition of wisdom too difficult. read more
v. 24. Wisdom is before him that hath understanding, it is very near to him, it guides and directs him always, leading him along one definite road always; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth, engaged with things in a dim and shadowy distance, his thoughts straying about without definite aim. read more
β) Admonition to contentment and a peaceable dispositionChap. 171 Better a dry morsel and quietness therewiththan a house full of slain beasts with strife.2 A wise servant shall have rule over a degenerate son,and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold,but he that trieth hearts is Jehovah.4 Wickedness giveth heed to lying lips,deceit giveth ear to a vile tongue.5 He that mocketh the poor hath reproached... read more
Verse Proverbs 17:3. Two important thoughts are suggested by this proverb. First, that the heart will yield to no force other than that of God. Dross in metal may be discovered and expurged by fire, but evil in the heart can be discovered and dealt with only by God. Second, Jehovah does try the heart. Verse Proverbs 17:5. The first part of this proverb does not teach, as is so often stated, that poverty is from God. Rather, it recognizes the inherent rights of every man in God,... read more
Proverbs Of Solomon Part 2 (Proverbs 15:22 to Proverbs 22:16 ). At this point there is a sudden switch from proverbs which contrast one thing with another, which have been predominant since Proverbs 10:1, to proverbs where the second clause adds something to the first. Whilst we still find some contrasting proverbs, especially at the beginning, they are not so common. This may suggest a deliberate intention by Solomon to separate his proverbs into two parts. Furthermore such a change at this... read more
Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Proverbs 17:1-28
CHAPTER 17 Diverse Proverbs Of the twenty-eight proverbs found in this chapter we point out but a few. “The fining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold; but the LORD trieth the hearts” (Proverbs 17:3 ). Man may try silver and gold, but God only the hearts. And He tries the hearts by the refining process, trials and afflictions, the process which rests in His own hands. (See Psalms 66:10-12 ; Malachi 3:3-18 ; 1 Peter 1:7 .) “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love, but he that... read more