Proverbs 17:18-23 ESV

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

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 17:21

This expresses that very emphatically which many wise and good men feel very sensibly, what a grievous vexatious thing it is to have a foolish wicked child. See here, 1. How uncertain all our creature-comforts are, so that we are often not only disappointed in them, but that proves the greatest cross in which we promised ourselves most satisfaction. There was joy when a man-child was born into the world, and yet, if he prove vicious, his own father will wish he had never been born. The name of... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 17:22

Note, 1. It is healthful to be cheerful. The Lord is for the body, and has provided for it, not only meat, but medicine, and has here told us that the best medicine is a merry heart, not a heart addicted to vain, carnal, sensual mirth; Solomon himself said of that mirth, It is not medicine, but madness; it is not food, but poison; what doth it? But he means a heart rejoicing in God, and serving him with gladness, and then taking the comfort of outward enjoyments and particularly that of... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 17:23

See here, 1. What an evil thing bribery is: He is a wicked man that will take a gift to engage him to give a false testimony, verdict, or judgment; when he does it he is ashamed of it, for he takes it, with all the secresy imaginable, out of the bosom where he knows it is laid ready for him; it is industriously concealed, and so slyly that, if h 1a08 e could, he would hide it from his own conscience. A gift is taken out of the bosom of a wicked man (so some read it); for he is a bad man that... 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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 17:21

He that begetteth a fool doth it to his sorrow ,.... As it proves in the issue; though it was joy to him when a man child was born, and took delight in him while in infancy and childhood, and promised himself much happiness in him when at years of discretion; but, instead of that, he departs from his education principles, despises all parental counsels and advice, and goes into all the extravagance of sin and folly; which is an heartbreaking to his godly and religious parents; for this is... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 17:18

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 17:19

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 17:20

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 17:21

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 17:22

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 17:23

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

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

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

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 17:21

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