Proverbs 17

By thissmallgroup, October 17, 2019

In this chapter, King Solomon begins to use a comparison model that reappears throughout the rest of the book. In the very first verse, Solomon describes a house that could have two very different lifestyles — either physical discomfort (dry crust with peace) or relational misery (feasting with strife). With these comparisons, he encourages his readers to consider the sacrifices they’re willing to make in order to live comfortably.

Verse 3: “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.”

Verse 9: “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”

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