Proverbs Chapter 17
King James Version (KJV)
Other Translations
darby (darby) - eBible.org Darby 1890 plaintext
1
Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than a house full of feasting [with] strife.
2
A wise servant shall rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren.
3
The fining-pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; but Jehovah trieth the hearts.
4
The evil-doer giveth heed to iniquitous lips; the liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue.
5
Whoso mocketh a poor [man] reproacheth his Maker; he that is glad at calamity shall not be held innocent.
6
Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
7
Excellent speech becometh not a vile [man]; how much less do lying lips a noble!
8
A gift is a precious stone in the eyes of the possessor: whithersoever it turneth it prospereth.
9
He that covereth transgression seeketh love; but he that bringeth a matter up again separateth very friends.
10
A reproof entereth more deeply into him that hath understanding than a hundred stripes into a fool.
11
An evil [man] seeketh only rebellion; but a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
12
Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man rather than a fool in his folly.
13
Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
14
The beginning of contention is [as] when one letteth out water; therefore leave off strife before it become vehement.
15
He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, even they both are abomination to Jehovah.
16
To what purpose is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing [he] hath no sense?
17
The friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
18
A senseless man striketh hands, becoming surety for his neighbour.
19
He loveth transgression that loveth a quarrel; he that maketh high his gate seeketh destruction.
20
He that hath a perverse heart findeth no good; and he that shifteth about with his tongue falleth into evil.
21
He that begetteth a fool [doeth it] to his sorrow, and the father of a vile [man] hath no joy.
22
A joyful heart promoteth healing; but a broken spirit drieth up the bones.
23
A wicked [man] taketh a gift out of the bosom, to pervert the paths of judgment.
24
Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
25
A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bore him.
26
To punish a righteous [man] is not good, nor to strike nobles because of [their] uprightness.
27
He that hath knowledge spareth his words; and a man of understanding is of a cool spirit.
28
Even a fool when he holdeth his peace is reckoned wise, [and] he that shutteth his lips, intelligent.
lxxbrent (lxxbrent) - Septuagint (Brenton 1851) eBible USFM
1
Better is a morsel with pleasure in peace, than a house [full] of many good things and unjust sacrifices, with strife.
2
A wise servant shall have rule over foolish masters, and shall divide portions among brethren.
3
As silver and gold are tried in a furnace, so are choice hearts with the Lord.
4
A bad man hearkens to the tongue of transgressors: but a righteous man attends not to false lips.
5
He that laughs at the poor provokes him that made him; and he that rejoices at the destruction of another shall not be held guiltless: but he that has compassion shall find mercy.
6
Children's children are the crown of old men; and their fathers are the glory of children.
7
Faithful lips will not suit a fool; nor lying lips a just man.
8
Instruction is to them that use it a gracious reward: and whithersoever it may turn, it shall prosper.
9
He that conceals injuries seeks love; but he that hates to hide [them] separates friends and kindred.
10
A threat breaks down the heart of a wise man; but a fool, though scourged, understands not.
11
Every bad man stirs up strifes: but the Lord will send out against him an unmerciful messenger.
12
Care may befall a man of understanding; but fools will meditate evils.
13
Whoso rewards evil for good, evil shall not be removed from his house.
14
Rightful rule gives power to words; but sedition and strife precede poverty.
15
He that pronounces the unjust just, and the just unjust, is unclean and abominable with God.
16
Why has the fool wealth? for a senseless man will not be able to purchase wisdom.
17
Have thou a friend for every time, and let brethren be useful in distress; for on this account are they born.
18
A foolish man applauds and rejoices over himself, [as he] also that becomes surety would make himself responsible for his own friends.
19
A lover of sin rejoices in strifes;
20
and the hard-hearted man comes not in for good. A man of a changeful tongue will fall into mischiefs;
21
and the heart of a fool is grief to its possessor. A father rejoices not over an uninstructed son; but a wise son gladdens his mother.
22
A glad heart promotes health; but the bones of a sorrowful man dry up.
23
The ways of a man who unjustly receives gifts in [his] bosom do not prosper; and an ungodly man perverts the ways of righteousness.
24
The countenance of a wise man is sensible; but the eyes of a fool [go] to the ends of the earth.
25
A foolish son [is a cause of] anger to his father, and grief to her that bore him.
26
[It is] not right to punish a righteous man, nor [is it] holy to plot against righteous princes.
27
He that forbears to utter a hard word is discreet, and a patient man is wise.
28
Wisdom shall be imputed to a fool who asks after wisdom: and he who holds his peace shall seem to be sensible.
vul1914 (vul1914) - Vulgate 1914 UTF-8 (sacredbible.org)
1
Melior est buccella sicca cum gaudio, quam domus plena victimis cum iurgio.
2
Servus sapiens dominabitur filiis stultis, et inter fratres hereditatem dividet.
3
Sicut igne probatur argentum, et aurum camino: ita corda probat Dominus.
4
Malus obedit linguæ iniquæ: et fallax obtemperat labiis mendacibus.
5
Qui despicit pauperem, exprobrat factori eius: et qui ruina lætatur alterius, non erit impunitus.
6
Corona senum filii filiorum: et gloria filiorum patres eorum.
7
Non decent stultum verba composita: nec principem labium mentiens.
8
Gemma gratissima, expectatio præstolantis: quocumque se vertit, prudenter intelligit.
9
Qui celat delictum, quærit amicitias: qui altero sermone repetit, separat fœderatos.
10
Plus proficit correptio apud prudentem, quam centum plagæ apud stultum.
11
Semper iurgia quærit malus: angelus autem crudelis mittetur contra eum.
12
Expedit magis ursæ occurrere raptis fœtibus, quam fatuo confidenti in stultitia sua.
13
Qui reddit mala pro bonis, non recedet malum de domo eius.
14
Qui dimittit aquam, caput est iurgiorum: et antequam patiatur contumeliam, iudicium deserit.
15
Qui iustificat impium, et qui condemnat iustum, abominabilis est uterque apud Deum.
16
Quid prodest stulto habere divitias, cum sapientiam emere non possit? Qui altum facit domum suam, quærit ruinam: et qui evitat discere, incidet in mala.
17
Omni tempore diligit qui amicus est: et frater in angustiis comprobatur.
18
Stultus homo plaudet manibus cum spoponderit pro amico suo.
19
Qui meditatur discordias, diligit rixas: et qui exaltat ostium, quærit ruinam.
20
Qui perversi cordis est, non inveniet bonum: et qui vertit linguam, incidet in malum.
21
Natus est stultus in ignominiam suam: sed nec pater in fatuo lætabitur.
22
Animus gaudens ætatem floridam facit: spiritus tristis exiccat ossa.
23
Munera de sinu impius accipit, ut pervertat semitas iudicii.
24
In facie prudentis lucet sapientia: oculi stultorum in finibus terræ.
25
Ira patris, filius stultus: et dolor matris quæ genuit eum.
26
Non est bonum, damnum inferre iusto: nec percutere principem, qui recta iudicat.
27
Qui moderatur sermones suos, doctus et prudens est: et pretiosi spiritus vir eruditus.
28
Stultus quoque si tacuerit, sapiens reputabitur: et si compresserit labia sua, intelligens.
web (web) - WorldEnglish.Bible — CC0 modern update of ASV
1
Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife.
2
A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers.
3
The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the hearts.
4
An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
5
Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.
6
Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children is their parents.
7
Excellent speech isn’t fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince.
8
A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers.
9
He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends.
10
A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool.
11
An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
12
Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
13
Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
14
The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.
15
He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.
16
Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, since he has no understanding?
17
A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity.
18
A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor.
19
He who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.
20
One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.
21
He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy.
22
A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
23
A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice.
24
Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
25
A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.
26
Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.
27
He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.
28
Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.
ylt (ylt) - Bible.com YLT98 plain UTF-8
1
Better <FI>is<Fi> a dry morsel, and rest with it, Than a house full of the sacrifices of strife.
2
A wise servant ruleth over a son causing shame, And in the midst of brethren He apportioneth an inheritance.
3
A refining pot <FI>is<Fi> for silver, and a furnace for gold, And the trier of hearts <FI>is<Fi> Jehovah.
4
An evil doer is attentive to lips of vanity, Falsehood is giving ear to a mischievous tongue.
5
Whoso is mocking at the poor Hath reproached his Maker, Whoso is rejoicing at calamity is not acquitted.
6
Sons' sons <FI>are<Fi> the crown of old men, And the glory of sons <FI>are<Fi> their fathers.
7
Not comely for a fool is a lip of excellency, Much less for a noble a lip of falsehood.
8
A stone of grace <FI>is<Fi> the bribe in the eyes of its possessors, Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
9
Whoso is covering transgression is seeking love, And whoso is repeating a matter Is separating a familiar friend.
10
Rebuke cometh down on the intelligent More than a hundred stripes on a fool.
11
An evil man seeketh only rebellion, And a fierce messenger is sent against him.
12
The meeting of a bereaved bear by a man, And--not a fool in his folly.
13
Whoso is returning evil for good, Evil moveth not from his house.
14
The beginning of contention <FI>is<Fi> a letting out of waters, And before it is meddled with leave the strife.
15
Whoso is justifying the wicked, And condemning the righteous, Even both of these <FI>are<Fi> an abomination to Jehovah.
16
Why <FI>is<Fi> this--a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, And a heart there is none?
17
At all times is the friend loving, And a brother for adversity is born.
18
A man lacking heart is striking hands, A surety he becometh before his friend.
19
Whoso is loving transgression is loving debate, Whoso is making high his entrance is seeking destruction.
20
The perverse of heart findeth not good, And the turned in his tongue falleth into evil.
21
Whoso is begetting a fool hath affliction for it, Yea, the father of a fool rejoiceth not.
22
A rejoicing heart doth good to the body, And a smitten spirit drieth the bone.
23
A bribe from the bosom the wicked taketh, To turn aside the paths of judgment.
24
The face of the intelligent <FI>is<Fi> to wisdom, And the eyes of a fool--at the end of the earth.
25
A provocation to his father <FI>is<Fi> a foolish son, And bitterness to her that bare him.
26
Also, to fine the righteous is not good, To smite nobles for uprightness.
27
One acquainted with knowledge is sparing his words, And the cool of temper <FI>is<Fi> a man of understanding.
28
Even a fool keeping silence is reckoned wise, He who is shutting his lips intelligent!
Explanations by Age Level
Explain Like I'm 5
A long, long time ago, there was nothing at all - no earth, no sky, no animals, no people. It was all dark and empty. But God was there! God is so powerful that He can make anything just by speaking. So God said "Let there be light!" and BOOM! There was light everywhere! God saw that the light was beautiful and good. He called the light "day" and the darkness "night." This was the very first day when God started making our wonderful world!
Explain Like I'm 10
Before anything existed - no planets, stars, or life - God decided to create the universe. The earth started out as a dark, empty place covered with water. But God's Spirit was there, ready to bring order and beauty to everything. When God spoke and said "Let there be light," light immediately appeared because God's words have incredible power. God looked at the light and was pleased with what He had made. He organized time by separating light (day) from darkness (night), creating the first 24-hour period. This shows us that God is organized and purposeful in everything He does.
Explain Like I'm 15
Genesis 1:1-5 establishes fundamental theological truths about God and creation. The Hebrew word "bara" (created) indicates creation from nothing (ex nihilo), demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty and power. The phrase "without form and void" (tohu wa-bohu) describes a state of chaos that God transforms into order. The Spirit of God "hovering" or "brooding" over the waters suggests active, caring involvement in creation. The creation of light before the sun (created on day 4) indicates that God Himself is the ultimate source of light and energy. The establishment of day and night creates the framework of time, showing that God operates within orderly patterns while transcending them. This passage refutes both atheistic materialism and pantheism, establishing that God is both transcendent (separate from creation) and immanent (actively involved in it).