Bible Commentaries
JFB Critical & Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Proverbs 17
sacrifices — or, “feasts” made with part of them (compare Proverbs 7:14; Leviticus 2:3; Leviticus 7:31).
with — literally, “of.”
strife — its product, or attendant.
(Compare Proverbs 14:35).
causeth shame — (Proverbs 10:5).
shall inheritance — that is, share a brother‘s part (compare Numbers 27:4, Numbers 27:7).
(Compare Proverbs 14:31).
glad at calamities — rejoicing in others‘ evil. Such are rightly punished by God, who knows their hearts.
Prolonged posterity is a blessing, its cutting off a curse (Proverbs 13:22; Psalm 109:13-15), hence children may glory in virtuous ancestry.
Excellent speech — (Compare Margin). Such language as ill suits a fool, as lying (ought to suit) a prince (Proverbs 16:12, Proverbs 16:13).
One so corrupt as to take a bribe evinces his high estimate of it by subjection to its influence (Proverbs 18:16; Proverbs 19:6).
letteth water — as a breach in a dam.
before meddled with — before strife has become sharp, or, by an explanation better suiting the figure, before it rolls on, or increases.
Though wealth cannot buy wisdom for those who do not love it, yet wisdom procures wealth (Proverbs 3:16; Proverbs 14:24).
To the second of these parallel clauses, there is an accession of meaning, that is, that a brother‘s love is specially seen in adversity.
(Compare Proverbs 6:1-5; Proverbs 11:15).
in the presence, etc. — that is, he either fails to consult his friend, or to follow his advice.
strife — contention is, and leads to, sin.
he that exalteth his gate — gratifies a vain love of costly building.
seeketh — or, “findeth,” as if he sought (compare “loveth death,” Proverbs 8:36).
The second clause advances on the first. The ill-natured fail of good, and the caviling and fault-finding incur evil.
(Compare Proverbs 23:24). Different words are rendered by “fool,” both denoting stupidity and impiety.
(Compare Proverbs 14:30; Proverbs 15:13). The effect of the mind on the body is well known.
medicine — or, “body,” which better corresponds with “bone.”
drieth — as if the marrow were exhausted.
a gift bosom — Money and other valuables were borne in a fold of the garment, called the bosom.
to pervert — that is, by bribery.
Also — that is, Equally to be avoided are other sins: punishing good subjects, or resisting good rulers.
Prudence of speech is commended as is an excellent or calm spirit, not excited to vain conversation.
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