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We are still in the section known as “proverbs proper” given under the heading, “The Proverbs of Solomon.” This section stretches from Proverbs 10 – 22. These Proverbs are individual sayings and are intended to be the stones laid on the pathway of Wisdom. Our response is to let each of them roll over us as we walk across them.
Like what we saw at 15:17, the poor (dry morsel) but loving home is better than the rich (house full) filled with strife. Love is always greater than hatred.
Verse 2 calls for hard work and reminds us that adversity can be overcome through hard work.
Verse 3, with tones from Proverb 16 that remind us of God’s sovereign rule, says God tests the hearts. He often does so through trials of fire.
In verse 4, in the repeated pattern of the Proverbs, we see the heart connected with the mouth. Notice what comes after verse 3, verse 4 – the heart connected to the mouth.
Verse 5 again calls us to recognize God’s dealings with each individual.
Verse 6, wisdom is a journey that takes a lifetime. Even the aged have to consider wisdom.
Verses 7-8 bring our focus on what we say and how we say it. Verse 8 “magically” conceals the fact that we should avoid the temptation of a bribe.
Verses 9-19 deal with conflict resolution.
Building on the principle that love is stronger than hate, verse 9 reminds us that whoever covers an offense seeks love.
Verse 10 encourages the right perspective from those needing to be corrected to walk on Wisdom’s Way.
Verse 11 reminds us a fool will continue to seek rebellion, thus not accepting the rebuke of verse 10.
Verses 12 teaches of the dangers of not walking Wisdom’s Way.
Verse 13 encourages us to consider the long term effects of our actions of returning evil for good.
Verse 14 encourages seeking peace as quickly as possible.
Verse 15 reminds us to align our ways with what pleases the Lord.
Verse 16 says a fool wouldn’t even purchase wisdom if it was for sale and he had money.
Verse 17 puts friendship and love together.
Verse 18 encourages integrity among neighbors.
Verse 19 demonstrates transgression and strife go hand in hand.
Verses 20-26 describe things that bring grief
Verse 20, dishonesty brings grief.
Verse 21, a foolish son brings grief.
Verse 22, a crushed spirit brings grief.
Verse 23, perverting justice brings grief.
Verse 24, losing perspective brings grief.
Verse 25, like verse 21 says a foolish son brings grief.
Verse 26, to punish the righteous brings grief.
Proverbs 17 closes with calling us, again to consider the tongue. (Read Text) Restraining the tongue comes at the end of a Proverb that in two sections, has caused us to wisely navigate conflict resolution and taught us how to avoid grief. No wonder James calls us to consider the might of the tongue. See what a forest is set ablaze with such a small flame! The secret to controlling the tongue is keeping your heart on Wisdom’s Way.