Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryProverbs 17

Sacrifices. Only a part of the animal for a peace offering was burned. The rest, except for the portion for the priest, was eaten by the offerer, his family, and friends (see Lev. 7:11-18). Eating and drinking to excess naturally leads to strife, because the abuse of the stomach is reflected in an excitability of both body and mind (see Prov. 15:16, 17; 16:8). A wise servant. Household slaves often gained a high position and were sometimes even made heirs (see Gen. 15:2, 3; 41: 37-45; 2 Sam. 16:4; Eccl. 10:7).

Fining pot. As the refiner purifies fine metals, so the Lord cleanses the hearts of His people in the fires of affliction (Jer. 17:10; Mal. 3:3; 3T 541; 4T 85).

A wicked doer. Evildoers delight in listening to those who think as they do. They find comfort and support in their company as well as pleasure in the evil discussed. "Birds of a feather" tend to "flock together."

Glad at calamities. The contrast suggests that the sort of calamity here referred to was that which brings men to poverty. Those who thrive upon the troubles of the poor gain a high rate of return upon their investment, but they earn, too, a crushing measure of remorse in the day when they see themselves as God sees them. Then, indeed, they would gladly throw themselves at the feet of the glorified saints they harmed and beg for a small portion of their eternal joys (see Job 31:29; Prov. 14:31; 24:17, 18; Matt. 25:40-46; Luke 12:3; 4T 386; EW 294; GC 668).

Children*s children. Wise planning for sons and grandsons and a proper respect for parents serve as stabilizing influences in the family and in the state (see Ps. 127:5).

Excellent speech. Good speech gives but a deceptive veneer to the evil man, lying of any kind tarnishes the honor of those in authority (see Isa. 32:5-8).

A gift. Heb. shochad, specifically a "bribe, though the word may also designate a gift. Shochad is translated "bribe" in 1 Sam. 8:3; 26: 10; Isa. 33:15. A bribe so dazzles the eyes of the recipient that he works hard to make himself worthy of the gift or to earn still further benefits. Solomon's statement of the fact of such human behavior does not imply approval of it.

Covereth a transgression. That is, by not repeating it, This interpretation gives the proper contrast to the second clause. Those who persist in repeating stories of harm done by others often succeed in creating enmity between friends, even though the original transgression was small (see Prov. 16:28; 1 Cor. 13:6, 7; 2T 54; 4T 607).

Ellen G. White

Entereth more. That is, cuts deeper.

Messenger. Heb. mal'ak, also the word for "angel." Perhaps divine judgments are indicated.

A bear robbed. The notorious anger of a she-bear robbed of her cubs is not so dangerous as the stubborn perversity of the fool (see Hosea 13:8).

Evil for good. see Prov. 20:22; Matt. 5:39; Rom. 12:17; 1 Thess. 5:15.

Letteth out water. Once water begins to pour through a bank, the opening is continually enlarged until there is a dangerous flood. Be meddled with. Better, "bursts out," or "rushes out." One should guard against stirring up anger as one would care for a dike that holds back the waters of the sea.

No heart. That is, no mind or understanding. Money spent on the education of such a man is the same as wasted.

At all times. The mark of a true friend is that he stays by in trouble as if bound by the ties of relationship (see ch. 18:24).

Becometh surety. See on ch. 6:1.

Exalteth his gate. Some have thought that this refers to building a lofty gateway that would make a small house seem to be a mansion. Such foolish ostentation would attract the attention of tax collectors and thieves, and thus invite destruction. However, we do not know that such customs anciently existed (see chs. 10:14; 16:18).

Froward heart. See on ch. 11:20.

A merry heart. A happy, rejoicing heart (see on ch. 15:13). To insist on rejoicing in the Lord, even when troubled or sick, is to release forces that will soothe and strengthen both

mind and body (see ch. 16:24; Ed 197; MH 241). Cheerfulness often accomplishes what other remedies are powerless to achieve.

A gift. Bribery of any kind causes both the giver and the taker to sin. The Bible has much to say of this evil practice, which tends to make the rich richer and the poor poorer (see Ex. 23:8; Deut. 16:19; Isa. 1:23; Eze. 13:19).

Wisdom. The intelligent man concentrates upon his immediate business; the fool scatters his attention.

To punish. Heb. 'anash, literally, “to fine.” To strike. Heb, nakah, here probably, “to beat.” Princes. Heb. nedibim, referring perhaps rather to the nobility of individuals than to their position in the kingdom, though "for equity" implies that they were beaten because they refused to pervert justice in their work as judges.

Excellent. Heb. qar, literally, "cool, denoting a spirit that is slow to anger, not easily moved. The whole tenor of the writings of Solomon is against hasty, thoughtless speech (see Prov. 15:23; 18:6; 25:11• 29:20; Eccl. 5:2, g; 10: 14; 12:10). However, Masoretic tradition reads yaqar, "precious,' Image"prized."

Even a fool. So closely are silence and wisdom linked in the minds of men that a fool could gain the reputation of being wise if he were able to achieve the imposSible task of holding his peace. But the man who doubts his own wisdom cannot believe that this is so, and feels impelled to demonstrate his intelligence by much talk. Only those who have a firm confidence in their own understanding can sit quietly by until the time comes for the few wise words.