Tag: Proverbs

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.

Reproof – Part 2

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Proverbs 17:10 A reproof enters more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

Biblical correction: A sign of love and the path of wisdom (continues): [2] Correction is the mark of the wise – The wise are distinguished by their openness to correction. They see rebuke not as an insult but as an opportunity to grow (9:8-9; 15:31-32). Wisdom is not shown by how much we know, but by how humbly we respond to being corrected. [3] Fools and the proud reject correction – Fools and the hard-hearted hate being corrected. Their pride blinds them to the truth, and they react with anger, denial, or mockery (12:1; 17:10). A foolish person often requires harsher consequences to learn, but even then may not change (27:22). [4] Correction is essential in discipleship and Christian living. Correction plays a vital role in the life of true followers and disciples of Christ. Jesus, Paul, and the early saints often corrected false beliefs, sinful behaviour, and spiritual laziness (2Tim. 3:16-17; Tit. 1:13; Gal. 6:1). Correction should be truthful, firm, and gentle, always aimed at restoration, never destruction. [5] God’s correction brings life, not condemnation – The purpose of divine correction is to make us holy, fruitful, and fit for His kingdom (Heb. 12:10-11). God corrects not to punish, but to purify. Every act of discipline has our eternal good in view.

Correction, whether from Scripture, the Spirit, or others, is a vital tool for spiritual maturity. To reject correction is to reject wisdom and life; to receive it is to walk the path of righteousness (10:17).

Reproof – Part 1

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Proverbs 17:10 A reproof enters more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool. 

A single word of correction penetrates deeply into the heart of a wise man, for he welcomes instruction and learns from rebuke. But even a hundred lashes cannot change the heart of a fool, who remains hardened and unteachable. Wisdom listens and grows; folly resists and suffers.

The word “fool” here is from the Hebrew kĕciyl, referring to one who is dull of understanding and morally stubborn.

This contrast highlights the difference between teachable humility and prideful foolishness.

Biblical correction: A sign of love and the path of wisdom: [1] Correction is an expression of love – Biblical correction is not harshness but an act of compassion. To lovingly correct someone is to desire their growth and restoration, not their shame or condemnation. God’s correction is not rejection; it is a mark of His love. Just as a good father disciplines his child to guide him toward wisdom and maturity, so God shapes His children through discipline, because He delights in their growth (3:11-12). Christ’s rebuke is never cold or cruel; it flows from His deep love for His people. His call to repentance is a call to restoration. To be corrected by Him is to be loved by Him (Rev. 3:19). True love doesn’t allow someone to continue in destructive ways. Correction is care in action. To be continued…

Covers A Transgression

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Proverbs 17:9 He that covers a transgression seeks love; but he that repeats a matter separates very friends. 

The one who forgives and discreetly covers over the faults of another demonstrates a heart that desires peace and love. He values the relationship more than the offence. But the one who keeps bringing up past wrongs or spreads them to others destroys even the closest friendships. True love is proven not by exposing weaknesses, but by choosing mercy over gossip and reconciliation over division.

“Love covers all sins” (10:12; 1Pet. 4:8). Repeating a matter can cause long-lasting damage to trust and unity.

A Gift

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Proverbs 17:8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that has it: whithersoever it turns, it prospers. 

A gift, to the one who possesses it, is like a sparkling jewel; it captures attention and holds great value in their eyes. Wherever it is used, it brings favour and success. The giver may use it to influence outcomes, and the receiver may treasure it for the delight and advantage it brings. Just as a gem reflects light from every angle, so a well-timed gift can open doors and win favour wherever it goes.

‘It prospers’ can mean it finds success or favour in whatever situation it is presented.

This verse may reflect both the positive use of gifts (such as generosity and diplomacy) and the potential misuse (such as bribery or manipulation), depending on the context (cf. Proverbs 18:16; 21:14).

Excellent Speech vs. Lying Lips

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Proverbs 17:7 Excellent speech becomes not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince. 

Refined and noble speech is out of place on the lips of a fool, just as deceit is a disgrace to a ruler. A fool may mimic the language of wisdom, but it does not suit him; it rings hollow and false, like fine garments worn by a beggar with no understanding of their worth. Even more inappropriate is falsehood in the mouth of a prince, for a ruler is called to lead with truth, justice, and integrity. When he lies, he corrupts the very office he holds.

The Hebrew word for “fool” here is nabal, which denotes someone who is morally senseless, irreverent, or corrupt, a person who despises wisdom and the fear of the Lord (Ps. 14:1). Such a man may attempt to speak with elegance, but wisdom does not dwell within him. His words lack the weight of truth and are often used to manipulate, impress, or deceive rather than to edify or enlighten.

Fools may wear the mask of eloquence, but their hearts remain unchanged. Their speech is out of harmony with their nature.

If foolishness and falsehood are shameful in any man, they are doubly so in a leader, a prince or a ruler. A prince, entrusted with authority and the well-being of others, must walk in truth and righteousness (2Sam. 23:3). When he lies, he not only sins personally but betrays the trust of the people he governs (14:5; 25:5).

A ruler who lies dishonours both his people and his Maker. Truth is the foundation of justice, and without it, leadership collapses into tyranny or chaos.

Noble words belong to those of a noble heart. To see a fool speak with elegance is as unsettling as seeing a prince speak lies; it violates the order of wisdom and undermines integrity. Let us seek not only refined speech, but hearts refined by truth and righteousness, for “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34).