Author: iolaHC

I am an Artwork in progress

A Froward Heart and A Perverse Tongue

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Proverbs 17:20 He that has a froward heart finds no good: and he that has a perverse tongue falls into mischief. 

This proverb highlights the intimate connection between inner character and outward consequences, between the heart, the tongue, and the outcomes of life.

The first clause – “He that has a froward heart finds no good”- refers to a person with a twisted, stubborn, or rebellious disposition. A “froward heart” resists truth, correction, and moral uprightness. Such a heart is not merely passive in its error but actively turns away from wisdom and refuses to be guided. Because of this inward bent toward stubbornness or distortion, the person is unable to perceive or receive good. Opportunities for blessing, peace, or improvement may be all around, but he either overlooks them, rejects them, or sabotages them due to his own internal disorder.

In essence, this person is cut off from good, not because good is unavailable, but because his own heart keeps him from embracing it.

The second clause – “He that has a perverse tongue falls into mischief” – focuses on speech. A “perverse tongue” refers to someone who speaks dishonestly, manipulatively, or destructively, using words to deceive, insult, stir up trouble, or control others. Such speech is not neutral; it carries real consequences. Eventually, this person will “fall into mischief,” meaning they will suffer harm, disorder, or judgment because of the very words they speak. Lies catch up with the liar, and hurtful speech brings backlash, broken relationships, and often public disgrace.

Together, the verse paints a sobering picture: a corrupt heart blinds a person to the good they might experience, while a corrupt tongue drags them into harm. What begins as an inward disposition becomes outward action and, ultimately, a destructive consequence. This proverb warns us to guard both our hearts and our words. The inner life (our attitudes, beliefs, and desires) must be submitted to wisdom and truth. Likewise, our speech must be disciplined and honest, guided by integrity and love, lest it become the very cause of our downfall.

Strife and Pridefulness

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Proverbs 17:19 He loves transgression that loves strife: and he that exalts his gate seeks destruction. 

This verse highlights two kinds of destructive behaviour and links them to deeper issues of the heart. The first part – “He loves transgression that loves strife”- teaches that a person who thrives on conflict is, at heart, a lover of sin. Strife and sin are closely connected, as contention often stems from pride, anger, and selfishness, all forms of moral failure. Someone who frequently engages in arguments, stirs up division, or seeks out conflict is not merely being quarrelsome but is demonstrating a deeper love for wrongdoing. Strife is not neutral; it is rooted in rebellion against peace and godliness.

The second part – “He that exalts his gate seeks destruction” – addresses the dangers of pride and ostentation. To “exalt one’s gate” refers to building an impressively large or grand entrance to one’s home, a symbol of wealth and status. In the ancient world, especially in Palestine, this could invite ruin. Large, elaborate gates served as visible declarations of prosperity, making a household an obvious target for thieves, invaders, and jealous rivals.

Historically, some Palestinian homes were designed with gates only about a meter high, modest in appearance but practical. These low gates gave no outward sign of wealth and served a defensive purpose. Since Arab raiders typically remained on horseback, such gates prevented them from riding straight into homes and plundering them. By contrast, a tall, ornate gate could not only invite envy but also signal an easy and worthwhile target.

Thus, the proverb warns that pride and a desire to show off, whether through conflict or material display, lead ultimately to one’s downfall. The lover of strife opens the door to spiritual and relational ruin; the builder of prideful symbols courts destruction from others.

Surety

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Proverbs 17:18 A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes surety in the presence of his friend. 

‘A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes surety in the presence of his friend.’ This means: A man who lacks wisdom and discernment is quick to shake hands on a deal, that is, to seal an agreement or contract, without carefully considering the consequences. By becoming surety, he pledges himself as a guarantor for another person’s debt or obligation, often doing so impulsively and in the presence of a friend.

Such a person exposes his lack of understanding by committing himself financially or legally on behalf of someone else without proper thought. Even if the friend is trustworthy, the act of hastily entering into such a risky obligation without due diligence is foolish.

In essence, this verse warns against rash promises and unwise financial entanglements. It teaches that true understanding involves prudence, restraint, and a careful weighing of consequences, especially when it comes to matters of trust and liability.

A Friend

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Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. 

‘A friend loves at all times.’ True friendship endures through every season of life, both joy and sorrow, prosperity and hardship. Such friendship is steadfast and unwavering, a rare and precious gift from God.

Ten examples of lasting friendship: Abraham, his faithful rescue of Lot shows a heart devoted to kin and friend alike (Gen. 14:14). Joseph forgave and cared for his brothers, demonstrating enduring love despite past betrayal (Gen. 45:5; 50:2). Moses interceded fervently for Israel, pleading on their behalf with God, embodying a friend who stands in the gap (Ex. 32:11-13; Deut. 9:18-29). Jonathan, his loyal love and covenant with David endured even through danger and death (1Sam. 20:33). Barzillai provided steadfast support to King David in his time of need (2Sam. 19:32). Ahikam stood as a protector and advocate for Jeremiah, preserving the prophet’s life (Jer. 26:24). Ebed-Melech risked his own life to rescue Jeremiah from the pit, a true friend in adversity (Jer. 38:7). Paul considered a brother and friend to many, expressing deep affection and care (Phil. 1:12, 20). Barnabas was known as the “son of encouragement” he supported and vouched for the early believers (Acts 9:27). Epaphroditus was a trusted companion who ministered alongside Paul, showing sacrificial friendship (Php. 2:26).

‘A brother is born for adversity.’ A friend loves in adversity or prosperity, and a brother is born to support and comfort a brother in distress.

He Has No Heart

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Proverbs 17:16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he has no heart to it? 

‘Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom…’ Why should a fool be entrusted with the means to acquire wisdom when he neither values it nor understands its worth? For though he holds treasure in his hand, his soul is void of understanding. He may possess silver and gold, access to teachers, and even the Scriptures themselves, yet if his heart is closed, wisdom cannot enter. He seeks knowledge in name, but not in truth; for his heart is not set to obey, nor does he desire the fear of the Lord. Wisdom cries aloud, yet he regards her not, and her reproofs are counted as nothing in his sight. Without reverence for truth or a willingness to change, all instruction is wasted.

‘Fool to get wisdom.’ Seven examples of lack of wisdom: Israel (2Chr. 30:10) – When invited to return to the Lord through the Passover, the northern tribes mocked and scorned the messengers of God, refusing the path of wisdom and mercy. The Jews in Nazareth (Luke 4:28) – Upon hearing the truth from Jesus in the synagogue, they were filled with wrath rather than repentance, rejecting the wisdom of God spoken in their midst. Herod Antipas (Luke 23:11) – Though he long desired to see Jesus and witness a miracle, he mocked the Saviour instead of humbling himself before divine wisdom. The Jews (John 5:40; 8:45) – They refused to come to Christ for life and rejected His words because He spoke the truth, proving they had no heart for true wisdom. The Athenians (Acts 17:32-33) – When Paul preached the resurrection, many mocked and turned away, valuing human philosophy over divine revelation. Felix the Governor (Acts 24:25-27) – Though convicted by Paul’s preaching on righteousness and judgment, he delayed repentance, preferring greed and power over godly fear. Herod Agrippa (Acts 26:28) – He was almost persuaded to become a Christian, yet he withheld his heart and remained in darkness, loving the praise of men more than the truth of God.

Justifies and Condemns

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Proverbs 17:15 He that justifies the wicked, and he that condemns the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD. 

‘He that justifies the wicked, and he that condemns the just.’ To declare the guilty as righteous, and to cast reproach upon the innocent, is to pervert judgment and defy the justice of God. Four examples of condemning the just: The Adversaries of Judah and Benjamin – The counsellors who falsely accused the Jews during the rebuilding of the temple sought to halt the work of God by slandering His servants (Ezra 4:1-16). Ahab and Jezebel – Through lies and false witnesses, they condemned righteous Naboth to death to seize his vineyard (1Kin. 21:5-24). The Jewish Leaders – They delivered up Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, to be crucified, choosing a murderer in His place (Matt. 27:11-50). Tertullus the Orator – Before Governor Felix, he falsely accused the Apostle Paul, twisting the truth to condemn a faithful servant of the Lord (Acts 24:1-9).

Beginning of Strife

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Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is as when one lets out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddles with. 

‘The beginning of strife is as when one lets out water…’ Just as water seeks the smallest opening in a dam and, once released, rushes forth with force too great to contain, so is the nature of strife. What begins as a small offence or a careless word may swell into bitter conflict and lasting division. Wisdom, therefore, teaches to stop contention at its very start, lest it grow beyond control.

‘Beginning of strife.’ Four examples of beginning strife: The Ephraimites provoked conflict with Jephthah out of pride and offence (Jdg. 12:1-6), resulting in the loss of forty-two thousand men. Abner, by proposing a contest of young men, sparked a deadly battle that claimed many lives (2Sam. 2:14-17). Rehoboam, by rejecting wise counsel and speaking harshly, turned the hearts of Israel against him (2Chr. 10:1-16). Jeroboam, by setting up false altars and opposing the house of David, led Israel into civil war and spiritual ruin (2Chr. 13:17).

Evil for Good

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Proverbs 17:13 Whoso rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. 

‘Whoso rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.’ The man who returns harm for kindness, and repays mercy with cruelty, has set his hand against righteousness. Ingratitude shall be his portion, and mischief shall cling to his dwelling. The curse shall not be turned away, for he has sown corruption and shall reap sorrow all the days of his life.

Twenty characteristics of the wicked: They utter wickedness with their mouths (Ps. 109:2), speaking words that defile and destroy. They deal in deceit, twisting truth to serve their own ends. They speak lies freely, having no regard for honesty or righteousness. They fill their speech with hatred (Ps. 109:3), wounding with every word. They harbour hatred without cause, despising others without provocation. They scorn the love of the righteous (Ps. 109:4), repelling compassion and virtue. They repay good with evil (Ps. 109:5), returning kindness with cruelty. They answer love with hatred, revealing the corruption of their hearts. They serve as instruments of satan (Ps. 109:6), doing his bidding in opposition to God. They feign prayerfulness (Ps. 109:7), cloaking wickedness in religious pretence. They are devoid of mercy (Ps. 109:16), showing no compassion for the suffering. They oppress the poor and the needy, taking advantage of the vulnerable. They shed innocent blood, committing violence against the helpless. They delight in cursing (Ps. 109:17-19) and wear it like a garment. They reject blessings, showing no gratitude for the good they receive (Ps. 109:17). They speak evil of others (Ps. 109:20), spreading slander and harm. They mock the upright (Ps. 109:25), reproaching those who walk in righteousness. They are without pity or kindness, hardened in heart and cruel in action. They stand as adversaries to the godly (Ps. 109:29), resisting those who seek to do right. They unjustly condemn the poor and needy (Ps. 109:31), adding affliction to affliction.

In His Folly

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Proverbs 17:12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. 

‘Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.’ A bear robbed of her cubs is exceedingly fierce, but she is less dangerous than a fool in his folly. Let a man meet a bear bereaved of her whelps, raging in her fury and blinded by grief, rather than encounter a fool abandoned to his folly. For the bear, though fierce, is guided by nature and may be turned away; but the fool, in the blindness of pride, knows not reason, nor does he regard wisdom. His way is destruction, and they who walk with him are soon cast down.

Rebellion

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Proverbs 17:11 An evil man seeks only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. 

‘An evil man seeks only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.’ A wicked man stirs up rebellion, his heart is hardened against counsel, and he regards not the way of peace. Therefore, shall a cruel messenger be sent against him, an instrument of judgment, swift and unrelenting, to execute vengeance and establish order in the land. For he that sows discord shall not go unpunished, and his destruction comes speedily.

‘Rebellion’ Hebrew: meriy (H4805), translated “bitter” (Job 23:2); rebellion (1Sam. 15:23; Deut. 31:27; Neh. 9:17); rebellious (Isa. 30:9; Ezek. 2:5-8; 3:9, 26-27; 12:2-3, 9, 25; 17:12; 24:3; 44:6); and rebels (Num. 17:10). This verse could be literally translated: For rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and self-will is as wicked as having idols.