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More Proverbs commentaries
Proverbs 14:1-5
No work means no harvest
Proverbs 14:6-11
Fools think their ways are right
Proverbs 14:12-17
Failing to live by the truth of God’s Word
Proverbs 14:18-23
It’s important to listen to instruction
Proverbs 14:24-29
A bad temper is a sign of weakness
Proverbs 14:30-35
Emotions effect our physical conditon
Proverbs 15:1-5
Choose gentle words
Proverbs 15:6-10
Refusal to take correction brings discipline
Proverbs 15:11-15
We feed what our heart craves
Proverbs 15:16-21
Love is more important than riches
Proverbs 15:22-27
Wise leaders always seek advice
Proverbs 15:28-33
The righteous weighs his words carefully
Proverbs 16:1-4
God’s Sovereignty in Shaping the World
Proverbs 16:5-11
Making Enemies to Be at Peace
Proverbs 16:12-17
Better to Have Wisdom than Gold
Proverbs 16:18-21
Pride Goes Before Destruction
Proverbs 16:22-26
The Way That Seems Right to Man
Proverbs 16:27-33
A Whisperer Separates Friends
Proverbs 17:1-4
The Lord Tests the Hearts
Proverbs 17:5-9
Children Need to Revere Their Parents
Proverbs 17:10-14
Evil Men Seek Rebellion
Proverbs 17:15-19
A Friend Loves at All Times
Proverbs 17:20-28
A Merry Heart Is Like Medicine
Proverbs 18:1-5
With Dishonor Comes Reproach
Proverbs 18:6-12
A Fool’s Mouth Brings Destruction
Proverbs 18:13-24
Finding a Wife Is a Good Thing
Proverbs 19:1-12
Wealth Makes Many Friends
Proverbs 19:13-19
Chasten your son while there is hope
Proverbs 19:20-29
Judgments are prepared for scoffers
Proverbs 20:1-5
Wine is a Mocker
Proverbs 20:6-10
Who Can Find a Faithful Man?
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The Lord Tests the Hearts
Proverbs 17:1–4
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
Hudson Taylor founder of China Inland Mission) used to hang in his home a plaque with two Hebrew Words on it: EBENEZER & JEHOVAH JIREH. The first word means ‘Hitherto hath the Lord helped us’ and the second, ‘The Lord will see to it or provide.’ One looked back wh … More
It is far better to have a peaceful and quiet meal of dry bread than having a lot to eat in a house where there is strife (v. 1). Harmony of a person’s relationship with others is to be desired over a bountiful supply of food. Think of the children today who grow up in a home where there is continual strife and contention. Is it any wonder that many small children have ulcers and all kinds of emotional problems. There is no substitute for peace and tranquility in the home.
A faithful servant is better than a rebellious son. In fact he may take the place of an unworthy son and receive his part of the inheritance (v. 2). Because of faithfulness a man may rise from servitude to the status of sonship. At the same time, no hired servant can ever give the joy to the heart of a father that is afforded by an obedient son (Genesis 15:2-3). The rebellious son can only blame himself if his wronged father only gives him an insignificant allowance, or cuts him off altogether; while the servant who has been faithful in the performance of his duties is remembered as one of the household.
Just as silver and gold are purified under intense heat, so a believer’s heart is purified by the heat of trials which the Lord brings (v. 3). The refiner of precious metals knows just what heat is necessary to purge away all dross (what you skim off the top). The same is true of our Lord as He allows us to pass through the fires of affliction ( James 1:2-3; I Peter 1:7). This refinement process creates a separation between the good and the worthless. Troublemakers listen to troublemakers, and liars listen to liars (v. 4).Application
Faithfulness is the one thing the Lord requires of me as His child. No matter how long I live the most important thing for me is to finish well.
Proverbs 17:1-4 (English Standard Version)
Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife. A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers. The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the LORD tests hearts. An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.
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