Proverbs 17 - Contrast The Upright And The Wicked Series

1. His sin. He is an evil man who seeks only evil.

2. His punishment. Because he will not be reclaimed by gentle methods – “a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.” Judgment is coming for all of us – but those who live for evil – watch out!

12 Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly. Proverbs 17:12 (NASB)

This verse is telling us that it is better to meet a mother bear that has been robbed of her cubs – than a fool in his folly. Let me tell you a mother bear will tear you to pieces. In her furry she will rip you apart – but that is better than meeting a fool in the hell-bent in their stupidity.

13 He who returns evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house. Proverbs 17:13 (NASB)

Here is a promise – or an awful warning. As a person pays kindness with unkindness – good with evil – evil shall not depart from their houses. You reap what you sow – for God’s word cannot fail.

14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out. Proverbs 17:14 (NASB)

The beginning of strife is like a small crack in the dam – it will only get worse in time. So leave the quarrel before it starts.

15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord. Proverbs 17:15 (NASB)

God hates injustice and here are two examples of it.

1. Those who side with the wicked – justifying them.

2. Those who side against the righteous – condemning them.

Both of these are an abomination to the Lord.

16 Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, When he has no sense? Proverbs 17:16 (NASB)

What is this – a fool out shopping for wisdom? How can this be? For they would not know wisdom if it came up and looked them in the face.

17 A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17 (NASB)

What kind of friend are you? There is a vast difference between knowing someone and being a true friend. The greatest evidence of genuine friendship is loyalty — being available to help in times of distress or personal struggle. Too many people are fair-weather friends. They stick around when the friendship helps them and leave when they're not getting anything out of the relationship. Think of your friends and assess your loyalty to them. Be the kind of true friend the Bible encourages.

18 A man lacking in sense pledges And becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor. Proverbs 17:18 (NASB)

Our pledges should be yes or no – nothing more. If we owe something we should pay. If you don’t pay – you are a thief and a liar.

19 He who loves transgression loves strife; He who raises his door seeks destruction. Proverbs 17:19 (NASB)

Clarke says of this verse:

“In different parts of Palestine they are obliged to have the doors of their courts and houses very low, not more than three feet high, to prevent the Arabs, who scarcely ever leave the backs of their horses, from riding into the courts and houses, and spoiling their goods. He, then, who, through pride and ostentation, made a high gate, exposed himself to destruction; and is said here to seek it, because he must know that this would be a necessary consequence of exalting his gate.”