Bible Commentaries
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible
Proverbs 17
The wise servant is more deserving, and more likely to appear one of the family, than a profligate son.
God tries the heart by affliction. He thus has often shown the sin remaining in the heart of the believer.
It is an honour to children to have wise and godly parents continued to them, even after they are grown up and settled in the world.
A fool, in Solomon's Proverbs, signifies a wicked man, whom excellent speech does not become, because his conversation contradicts it.
Those who set their hearts upon money, will do any thing for it. What influence should the gifts of God have on our hearts!
The way to preserve peace is to make the best of every thing; not to notice what has been said or done against ourselves.
What danger there is in the beginning of strife! Resist its earliest display; and leave it off, if it were possible, before you begin.
No change of outward circumstances should abate our affection for our friends or relatives. But no friend, except Christ, deserves unlimited confidence. In Him this text did receive, and still receives its most glorious fulfilment.
Let not any wrong their families. Yet Christ's becoming Surety for men, was a glorious display of Divine wisdom; for he was able to discharge the bond.
If we would keep a clear conscience and a quiet mind, we must shun all excitements to anger. And a man who affects a style of living above his means, goes the way to ruin.
This speaks very plainly what many wise and good men feel very strongly, how grievous it is to have a foolish, wicked child.
It is great mercy that God gives us leave to be cheerful, and cause to be cheerful, if by his grace he gives us hearts to be cheerful.
The wicked are ready to part with their money, though loved, that they may not suffer for their crimes.
The prudent man keeps the word of God continually in view. But the foolish man cannot fix his thoughts, nor pursue any purpose with steadiness.
A man may show himself to be a wise man, by the good temper of his mind, and by the good government of his tongue. He is careful when he does speak, to speak to the purpose. God knows his heart, and the folly that is bound there; therefore he cannot be deceived in his judgment as men may be.
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