Proverbs 17:16-20

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 17:16

Two things are here spoken of with astonishment:?1. God's great goodness to foolish man, in putting a price into his hand to get wisdom, to get knowledge and grace to fit him for both worlds. We have rational souls, the means of grace, the strivings of the Spirit, access to God by prayer; we have time and opportunity. He that has a good estate (so some understand it) has advantages thereby of getting wisdom by purchasing instruction. Good parents, relations, ministers, friends, are helps to... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 17:17

This intimates the strength of those bonds by which we are bound to each other and which we ought to be sensible of. 1. Friends must be constant to each other at all times. That is not true friendship which is not constant; it will be so if it be sincere, and actuated by a good principle. Those that are fanciful or selfish in their friendship will love no longer than their humour is pleased and their interest served, and therefore their affections turn with the wind and change with the... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 17:18

Though Solomon had commended friendship in adversity (Prov. 17:17), yet let not any, under pretence of being generous to their friends, be unjust to their families and wrong them; one part of our duty must be made to consist with another. Note, 1. It is a piece of wisdom to keep out of debt as much as may be, especially to dread suretiship. There may be a just occasion for a man to pass his word for his friend in his absence, till he come to engage himself; but to be surety in the presence of... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 17:19

Note, 1. Those that are quarrelsome involve themselves in a great deal of guilt: He that loves strife, that in his worldly business loves to go to law, in religion loves controversies, and in common conversation loves to thwart and fall out, that is never well but when he is in the fire, he loves transgression; for a great deal of sin attends that sin, and the way of it is down-hill. He pretends to stand up for truth, and for his honour and right, but really he loves sin, which God hates. 2.... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 17:20

Note, 1. Framing ill designs will be of no advantage to us; there is nothing got by them: He that has a froward heart, that sows discord and is full of resentment, cannot promise himself to get by it sufficient to counterbalance the loss of his repose and reputation, nor can he take any rational satisfaction in it; he finds no good. 2. Giving ill language will be a great disadvantage to us: He that has a perverse tongue, spiteful and abusive, scurrilous or backbiting, falls into one mischief... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 17:16

Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom ,.... Natural wisdom and knowledge. By this "price" may be meant money, riches, worldly substance, of which a foolish man is possessed; by means of which he might purchase useful books for the improvement of his mind, and procure himself instructors that might be very useful to him; but instead of seeking after that which he most wants, and making use of his substance to furnish him with it, he spends it on his back and belly,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 17:17

A friend loveth at all times ,.... A true, hearty, faithful friend, loves in times of adversity as well as in times of prosperity: there are many that are friends to persons, while they are in affluent circumstances; but when there is a change in their condition, and they are stripped of all riches and substance; than their friends forsake them, and stand at a distance from them; as was the case of Job, Job 19:14 ; it is a very rare thing to find a friend that is a constant lover, such an... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 17:18

A man void of understanding striketh hands ,.... With his friend's creditor, and becomes surety for him; and thereby acts a very unwise part, and shows himself to want understanding, by taking such a step, which may prove the ruin of himself and family: for though a man may and should love his friend at all times; yet he is not obliged, under a notion of friendship, to injure himself and his family, or to run the risk of it; if he does, it is a plain case he wants wisdom and discretion, see ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 17:19

He loveth transgression that loveth strife ,.... For strife is transgression, when it flows from a malignant spirit, is with bad views, about things to no profit, and for contention's sake; otherwise to contend earnestly for the truth; to strive together for the faith of the Gospel, for matters of moment and importance, and not mere words; to strive lawfully in a cause that is just, and for truth and justice, is commendable and praiseworthy; and he that exalteth his gate seeketh... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 17:20

He that hath a froward heart findeth no good ,.... Who is of a perverse spirit, meditates and devises evil things; is not ingenuous and sincere, but false and deceitful to God and men: such an one gets no good from either; he obtains not the favour of God, nor a good name, credit, and reputation among men; and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief ; or "that turns himself", or "is turned in his tongue" F23 ונהפך בלשונו "qui verterit se", Pagninus; "et verteus se in... read more

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