Proverbs 17 - Contrast The Upright And The Wicked Series

20 He who has a crooked mind finds no good, And he who is perverted in his language falls into evil. Proverbs 17:20 (NASB)

The thoughts of a person directs their lives. If your thoughts are evil you will speak evil – you will do evil – you will be evil. Jesus said:

"The things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.” Matthew 15:18-19 (NASB)

21 He who sires a fool does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy. Proverbs 17:21 (NASB)

All of us would like our children to be successful – but how heartbreaking it is when our children do foolish things. There is no joy in that.

22 A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22 (NASB)

To be cheerful is to have true joy and a positive outlook on the future. To be around people who are joyful is as welcome as pain-relieving medicine.

23 A wicked man receives a bribe from the bosom To pervert the ways of justice. Proverbs 17:23 (NASB)

Here again is a proverb against injustice. God is always righteous and just and any person who does not seek God’s justice is a wicked person.

24 Wisdom is in the presence of the one who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. Proverbs 17:24 (NASB)

While there is something to be said for having big dreams, this proverb points out the folly of chasing fantasies. How much better to align your goals with God's goals? Although there is nothing wrong with planning for the future – remember only God knows what tomorrow holds.

25 A foolish son is a grief to his father And bitterness to her who bore him. Proverbs 17:25 (NASB)

This proverb has been true down through the ages. How much grief a foolish child can bring!

26 It is also not good to fine the righteous, Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness. Proverbs 17:26 (NASB)

To punish those who are doing right is a perversion of justice.

27 He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:27 (NASB)

This proverb highlights several benefits of keeping quiet:

(1) It is the best policy if you have nothing worthwhile to say

(2) It allows you the opportunity to listen and learn

(3) It gives you something in common with those who are wiser

Make sure you pause to think and to listen so that when you do speak, you will have something important to say.

28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent. Proverbs 17:28 (NASB)

There is a modern day proverb which says: “It is better to be thought a fool – than to open your mouth and confirm it.”