17:1 Better [is] a dry morsel, and quietness with it, than an house full of {a} sacrifices [with] strife. (a) For where there were many sacrifices, there were many portions given to the people, with which they feasted. 17:2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the {b} inheritance among the brethren. (b) That is, will be made governor over the children. 17:8 A bribe [is as] a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: wherever it {c} turneth, it prospereth. (c) The reward has great force to gain the hearts of men. 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth [very] {d} friends. (d) He that admonishes the prince of his fault makes him his enemy. 17:11 An evil [man] seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel {e} messenger shall be sent against him. (e) By the messenger is meant such means as God uses to punish the rebels. 17:12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than {f} a fool in his folly. (f) By which he means the wicked in his rage, who has no fear of God. 17:16 Why [is there] a {g} price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing [he hath] no heart [to it]? {g} What good does it do the wicked to be rich, seeing he does not set his mind to wisdom? 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a {h} brother is born for adversity. (h) So that he is more than a friend, even a brother that helps in time of adversity. 17:18 A man void of understanding {i} striketh hands, [and] becometh surety in the presence of his friend. (i) Read Pr 6:1. 17:19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: [and] he that exalteth his {k} gate seeketh destruction. (k) Lifts up himself above his degree. 17:23 A wicked [man] taketh a bribe out of the {l} bosom to pervert the ways of judgment. (l) That is, secretly and out of the bosom of the rich. 17:24 Wisdom [is] before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool [are] in the {m} ends of the earth. (m) That is, wander to and fro, and seek not after wisdom. 17:26 Also to punish the just [is] not good, [nor] to strike princes {n} for equity. (n) For their well doing. | |