Thematic Bible




Proverbs 17:1 (show verse)

Better is a dry morsel [of food served] with quietness and peace
Than a house full of feasting [served] with strife and contention.

Proverbs 17:2 (show verse)


A wise servant will rule over the [unworthy] son who acts shamefully and brings disgrace [to the family]
And [the worthy servant] will share in the inheritance among the brothers.

Proverbs 17:3 (show verse)


The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,
But the Lord tests hearts.

Proverbs 17:4 (show verse)


An evildoer listens closely to wicked lips;
And a liar pays attention to a destructive and malicious tongue.

Proverbs 17:5 (show verse)


Whoever mocks the poor taunts his Maker,
And he who rejoices at [another’s] disaster will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 17:6 (show verse)


Grandchildren are the crown of aged men,
And the glory of children is their fathers [who live godly lives].

Proverbs 17:7 (show verse)


Excellent speech does not benefit a fool [who is spiritually blind],
Much less do lying lips benefit a prince.

Proverbs 17:8 (show verse)


A bribe is like a bright, precious stone in the eyes of its owner;
Wherever he turns, he prospers.

Proverbs 17:9 (show verse)


He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love,
But he who repeats or gossips about a matter separates intimate friends.

Proverbs 17:10 (show verse)


A reprimand goes deeper into one who has understanding and a teachable spirit
Than a hundred lashes into a fool.

Proverbs 17:11 (show verse)


A rebellious man seeks only evil;
Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

Proverbs 17:12 (show verse)


Let a man meet a [ferocious] bear robbed of her cubs
Rather than the [angry, narcissistic] fool in his folly.

Proverbs 17:13 (show verse)


Whoever returns evil for good,
Evil will not depart from his house.

Proverbs 17:14 (show verse)


The beginning of strife is like letting out water [as from a small break in a dam; first it trickles and then it gushes];
Therefore abandon the quarrel before it breaks out and tempers explode.

Proverbs 17:15 (show verse)


He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous
Are both repulsive to the Lord.

Proverbs 17:16 (show verse)


Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom,
When he has no common sense or even a heart for it?
No Themes for this verse.

Proverbs 17:17 (show verse)


A friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 17:18 (show verse)


A man lacking common sense gives a pledge
And becomes guarantor [for the debt of another] in the presence of his neighbor.

Proverbs 17:19 (show verse)


He who loves transgression loves strife and is quarrelsome;
He who [proudly] raises his gate seeks destruction [because of his arrogant pride].

Proverbs 17:20 (show verse)


He who has a crooked mind finds no good,
And he who is perverted in his language falls into evil.

Proverbs 17:21 (show verse)


He who becomes the parent of a fool [who is spiritually blind] does so to his sorrow,
And the father of a fool [who is spiritually blind] has no joy.

Proverbs 17:22 (show verse)


A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing,
But a broken spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:23 (show verse)


A wicked man receives a bribe from the [hidden] pocket
To pervert the ways of justice.

Proverbs 17:24 (show verse)


[Skillful and godly] wisdom is in the presence of a person of understanding [and he recognizes it],
But the eyes of a [thickheaded] fool are on the ends of the earth.

Proverbs 17:25 (show verse)


A foolish son is a grief and anguish to his father
And bitterness to her who gave birth to him.

Proverbs 17:26 (show verse)


It is also not good to fine the righteous,
Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.

Proverbs 17:27 (show verse)


He who has knowledge restrains and is careful with his words,
And a man of understanding and wisdom has a cool spirit (self-control, an even temper).

Proverbs 17:28 (show verse)


Even a [callous, arrogant] fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;
When he closes his lips he is regarded as sensible (prudent, discreet) and a man of understanding.