SCRIPTURE; PROVERBS 17
MEMORY VERSES:
“Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.” (Proverbs 17:1)
“A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue.” (Proverbs 17:4)
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” (Proverbs 17:6)
“He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” (Proverbs 17:6)
“If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house.” (Proverbs 17:13)
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)
“A man of perverse heart does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.” (Proverbs 17:20)
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)
“A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice.” (Proverbs 17:23)
“Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.” (Proverbs 17:28)
THINGS TO AVOID:
- Strife (v. 1)
- Evil lips and malicious tongue (v. 4)
- Mocking the poor (v. 5)
- Arrogant and lying lips (v. 7)
- Accepting bribe (vs. 8, 23)
- Rebellion (v. 11)
- Folly (v. 12)
- Paying evil for good (v. 13)
- Quarrels (vs. 14, 19)
- Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent (v. 15)
- Strike hands in pledge and put up security to his neighbor (v. 18)
- Perverse heart and deceitful tongue (v. 20)
- Punishing an innocent man. (v. 27)
ADVICES REGARDING OUR MOUTH, LIPS AND TONGUE:
- Do not listen to evil lips and malicious tongue. (v. 4)
- Do not mock the poor. (v. 5)
- Do not say arrogant words. (v. 7)
- Do not start a quarrel. (v. 14)
- Do not acquit the guilty and condemn the innocent. (v. 15)
- Do not quarrel with anyone. (v. 19)
- Do not say deceptive words. (v. 20)
THOUGHTS:
As silver and gold are to be purified with intrinsic heat, Christians mut also expect to take the heat of trials to test their faith. So, when tough trials cross your way, realize that God wants to use them to refine your faith and purify your heart.
He who accepts bribe is considered a wicked man because he is perverting justice by acquitting the criminal and condemning the innocent.
This proverb teaches us to cover an offense to promote love. So, as much as possible, keep your mouth shut and try not to argue by bringing up all the mistakes of others. Acquire God’s ability to forget the past and forgive the mistakes of others.
What is meant by “A friend loves at all times?” It means that a genuine and real friend possesses these qualities: loyalty, kindness, faithful and truthful. But fair weather friends only stick around when they can get something from the friendship but they leave when they cannot get anything from the friendship. What kind of friend are you?
Being cheerful is a good medicine to our hearts. How can we be cheerful?
- Be contented of what you have.
- Have a thankful spirit.
- Say words of encouragement.
- Have a positive outlook in life.
One who knows how to keep silent is considered wise and discerning because he is promoting peace.