Sermon Proverbs Chapter 17

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[2] The title of the sermon: “PROVERBS CHAPTER 17.”

• We are going to continue our verse by verse in the amazing Book of Proverbs.
• Let’s start there in verse 1 of Proverbs Chapter 17.

Quietness And Only A Dry Morsel Of Food Is Better Than Strife

[3] Proverbs 17:1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

• It’s better to have peace and quiet with little to eat than everything you could ever want with strife.
• This is why we don’t pray for riches or want riches. Riches bring more problems.

[4] Proverbs 15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

[5] Psalm 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.

• We are much better off with little and being saved by Jesus Christ than riches of the wicked.
• For example, I would rather be saved by Jesus Christ than have 1 trillion dollars.
• If you could choose Jesus Christ or 1 trillion dollars, what would you choose?
• Most people will quickly choose the 1 trillion dollars. And they are fools.

[6] Proverbs 30:8-9 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: 9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

• When you pray, you should pray for this. “Give me neither poverty NOR riches.”
• “Feed me with food convenient for me.” Lord, as we need things, please provide them.
• Do not give us riches. Do not make us poor.

[7] Ecclesiastes 4:6 Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.

[8] Proverbs 21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

• We are not to be loud and proud. We are to be quiet and without strife.
• We are to follow God’s words, do His work, preach His words, and be quiet at other times.
• When someone is arguing about something that isn’t important, be quiet. It’s not important.
• We are to work hard for God, study, be quiet, do our own business, and work with our own hands.

[9] 1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

[10] 2 Thessalonians 3:12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

• When we follow all of these commandments, we are loving Jesus Christ and doing the right thing.
• For example, in your home, there shouldn’t be lots of arguing, yelling, and strife all the time.
• There shouldn’t be brawling women. There shouldn’t be loud women. There shouldn’t be loud men.
• God’s word should be constant and steady throughout your home.
• We all should be working hard each and every day and all day long. Men should be the providers.
• They should be working quietly without strife and providing for their wife and their children.

[11] 1 Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

• Men, you shouldn’t drag your family around while you aren’t working.
• You shouldn’t put them in and out of homeless shelters and seek free housing constantly.
• Get a job, be constant, work with your hands, and do your own business. Be quiet and work hard.

And men, if you won’t do that, what does the Scripture right there say?

• You have DENIED THE FAITH, and you are WORSE than an infidel.
• Does it say that you might be worse than an infidel? Is that what it says?
• No, it doesn’t. The Bible, which is the perfect word of God, says “IS worse than an infidel.”
• And what is an infidel? An infidel is one who denies the truth and hates God’s words.
• The word infidel is only in the Bible twice. Here’s the other Scripture.

[12] 2 Corinthians 6:15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

• An infidel is compared with someone who is with Belial. An infidel doesn’t believe in Jesus Christ.
• And the Bible says those who won’t provide for their own and specially for those of his own house:
• Those people are WORSE THAN AN INFIDEL or worse than someone who won’t believe in Jesus Christ.
• They are worse than a child of the devil. This is what the Bible teaches.

So again, let’s get to work. Let’s not have strife because we use the words of the Bible.

• The Bible doesn’t cause strife. Use His words, follow them, and you will have peace in your home.
• If you don’t want to work hard, then you don’t belong here in this church or with God’s people.
• People in heaven are working hard. Guaranteed. It’s not a place to sit on the couch and watch TV.
• You will be working for all eternity for God Almighty, and if you don’t like that, you’re in big trouble.

God Gives Us Work And A Purpose

God gives you a purpose with the work that He gives us to do. This makes us happy.

• If you don’t like to work, you don’t love God. God is always working. Jesus is always working.
• We are to follow Jesus Christ. If He is working, He is setting the example for us. Get to work.
• If someone doesn’t love the words of the Bible, they cause the strife. They don’t belong here.
• They will leave here. Why? Because they don’t want to follow God’s words. They deny the faith.
• So, here’s a warning for all lazy people who want to come here. DON’T. You won’t like it here.
• Go find an easy place that won’t teach you anything and wants you to be lazy. They are of the devil.

[13] Proverbs 17:2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.

• When you won’t work, you cause God shame. When you won’t follow His words, you cause God shame.
• He’s not going to be happy with you. Jesus Christ is a wise servant of His Father. He rules over us.
• When we sin, we cause him shame. When we follow His words, we are wise servants.
• That’s what we want to be. A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame.
• A wise servant shall have part of the INHERITANCE among the brethren or the saved people.
• You are very wise when you believe “ON” Jesus Christ and you receive the great inheritance of eternal life.

[14] Proverbs 11:29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

• Continuing with the example of a man who doesn’t like to work
• This man finds every reason possible to not work. When he does this, he troubles his own house.
• He shall inherit the wind. What does that mean? Find your inheritance in the wind, foolish man.
• Find it. You won’t find anything. You grasp for air. Nothing is there. The fool will serve the wise.

[15] Proverbs 14:35 The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

• God’s wrath will be against those who don’t want to follow all of His words.
• Yes, we mess up because we aren’t perfect. But God knows if you’re trying or not.
• Yes, we still cause Him shame in this flesh but not in our soul. Be wise and do what God says.
• You will rule with Him as a wise servant.

[16] Proverbs 17:3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.

• God knows your heart and what’s important to you. He knows His importance to you.
• Is God important to you? Do you fear Him? Do you care what He says? Do you care what He wants?
• Or do you only care what you want? The Lord tries your heart. He knows you and tries you.
• A fining pot is only for silver and a furnace is for gold. These things PURIFY silver and gold.
• God is purifying you through trials. Do you understand that? We go through many, many things.

God Doesn’t Give Us More Than We Can Handle

For example, personally, I’ve been through a lot lately. Was it too difficult for me? No, it wasn’t.

• Was it anything very bad? No, it wasn’t too hard or too bad.
• It’s nothing I couldn’t handle with Jesus Christ leading the way.
• Someone put a hole in my heart. It felt like I was betrayed. I didn’t understand at all.
• But these trials should give us joy because we are only being purified by God. We jump for joy.
• We know that God loves us because He is examining us, proving us, and trying us.

[17] Psalm 26:1-5 Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide. 2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. 3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth. 4 I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers. 5 I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

• This should be a prayer of ours. Examine me, O Lord. Prove me. Try me. And then please help me.
• Trust in the Lord and then ask God to try you. Keep that trust in the Lord and nothing can harm you.
• He will save you out of anything if you simply trust in Him. Stay on His side and don’t go the other way.
• Walk in His truth. Hate the congregation of evil doers. Do not sit with the wicked. Reject them.

[18] Psalm 66:10 For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.

[19] Isaiah 48:10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.

• God will put us through trials and tribulation. He says so over and over again. He is refining us.
• He says right there, “I HAVE CHOSEN THEE IN THE FURNACE OF AFFLICTION.”
• He is relating the furnaces that refine gold with the trials that refine us and purify us.

[20] Jeremiah 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

[21] Zechariah 13:9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.

[22] 1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

[23] Revelation 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

• God searches the reins and hearts. He tries your heart. He says so. He gives according to our works.
• You will have a trial of your faith. Be ready. It’s good for you. God is helping you and purifying you.
• For example, His design for us shows us this. We are to work hard. Work is not easy.
• But if you keep going and fighting through, you will see daylight on the other side.
• These trials of hard work makes you better. They make you stronger. They help you.

[24] Proverbs 17:4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.

• Yes, we have all lied. This doesn’t make it okay to lie, though. I am sorry for all the times I have lied.
• I do my best to not lie. Sometimes I say things that may be taken in a way that makes me look like a liar.
• For example, I have said that “WE,” meaning my family, have built 2 homes. We are building our 3^rd home.
• I did not mean that I personally did everything on the home. But we did do many of the things.
• I was called a liar because I said that we built the homes. I didn’t build 100% of the house.
• I will watch how I say things, but I will still mess up because I’m not perfect. God knows what I meant.
• He knows that I did not mean to lie or deceive anyone. That’s how people say things around here.

The Wicked Love To Lie To People Constantly

But, a wicked doer giveth heed to false lips and is constantly lying. They love to lie to people.

• I don’t want to lie to people. Wicked people LOVE to lie to others. They give heed to false lips.
• They love when other people lie to others. They love to spread false rumors, stories, and drama.

[25] Proverbs 28:4 They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

• The liars don’t like when the people who keep God’s law call them out on lying.
• We are to contend with the evil and wicked people who lie about God and His words.
• Contend means to fight. Jude verse 3 tells us to contend for the faith. We are to fight for the faith.
• We are to tell the truth. We are to fight for the truth.

[26] Exodus 23:1 Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.

[27] Proverbs 6:12 A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.

• You don’t want to be a WICKED person who walks around telling lies constantly. That is a froward mouth.
• We are not to praise the wicked at any time with lies and deception.

[28] Proverbs 17:5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.

• We are not to mock the poor or laugh at them because they are poor. We are not to deceive them.
• We do not fool them or ridicule them. Not one person is “BETTER” than another person.
• We are all sinners. Our job is to help them to be saved. We do not mock them.

Now, if we’re talking about a so-called “homeless” person who acts as if they are poor and not, I will mock them.

• These are the liars and deceivers who will stand out at the corners and ask for money while doing nothing.
• These are the people who go home each day to a nice place to live. They have nice cars.
• They are not poor. Instead, they deceive people and use God’s name to do so. Not good.
• But, we do not mock the poor or the truly disabled people who need help.
• If so, we will reproach or treat Him the same. And you don’t want to do that. We will be punished.
• “And he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.” We are not glad they are poor.

Listen, don’t be fooled by the deceivers in this world who are poor because they are lazy.

• If they are able bodied people, they are breaking God’s commandment to work.
• You don’t have to mock at them, laugh at them, or anything else.
• But you also don’t have to give them money because it makes you feel good.
• We are not to help people as they break God’s commandment to work. They break it. We don’t help.
• If someone is trying and working hard, and needs help, then we will help them.
• When your enemy falls, DO NOT MOCK. Do not be glad. Make sure you hear this. This is YOUR ENEMY.
• This is not talking about God’s enemy. This is talking about YOUR ENEMY.

[29] Proverbs 24:17-18 Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: 18 Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.

• If you rejoice when your enemy falls and stumbles, you will displease the Lord.
• God’s wrath was on your enemy, but now God’s wrath is going to turn towards you.

[30] Proverbs 17:6 Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

• Old men have children’s children as their crown. Do we have any old men here?
• Old men, as defined by the Bible right here, are grandfathers. That’s what the Bible says.
• This means I am not old yet. Do you understand that kids? I am not old yet.
• I don’t yet have that crown, but I’m looking forward to getting that crown one day.

[31] Job 42:16-17 After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons’ sons, even four generations. 17 So Job died, being old and full of days.

• I believe being able to see your children’s children is a gift from God.
• Being able to see your great grandchildren is an even greater blessing.
• And Job was a great great grandfather. He died being old and FULL OF DAYS.
• We don’t want to die early. We only get to live this life once. Let’s live it to the fullest.
• Let’s enjoy these amazing children and their children and their children’s children.
• I pray that I get to see and meet my children to the fourth generation in this life. I can’t wait.
• Proverbs 17:6 also says that the glory of children are their fathers. God is our glory. He is amazing.

[32] 1 Kings 15:4-5 Nevertheless for David’s sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem: 5 Because David did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, and turned not aside from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.

• Father’s, be a glory to your children as David was. Why was David a glory to his children?
• Verse 5 says because David did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord.
• This is what we must do, and God will bless our children. Don’t you want that for your children?

People Who Don’t Care For Their Children = Selfish

I know many people who could care less for their children. That’s selfishness.

• I’ve known people that will only buy themselves things and forget about their children.
• “Hey, I worked for that. You don’t deserve it.” Parents say these things to their children.
• We need to love our children and not be selfish fools. There’s more to life than just me, me, and me.
• If God were selfish, we would be dead right now. Be a glory for your children. Teach them God’s ways.

[33] Proverbs 17:7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

• Liars will be nothing. People who love to tell lies and deceive others makes them fools.
• Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. You need to have excellent speech.
• This means you don’t tell lies, you don’t spread rumors, and you don’t start drama.

[34] Proverbs 26:7 The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

• The legs of the lame are not equal so they stumble and hobble around.
• In the mouth of fools, a parable does the same thing. Those people will stumble around.
• You don’t want to be like that. Know the truth, speak the truth, and stay strong and upright.

[35] Proverbs 17:8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

• A gift given to us is precious to us. Wherever that gift is given, it prospers. Everlasting life is a gift of God.
• We don’t work for a gift. God’s gift to us is precious and prospers wherever it goes.
• We cherish this gift of everlasting life that God has given us through His Son, Jesus Christ.

[36] Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

[37] Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

• We don’t earn this gift from God. We believe on Jesus Christ, and God gives us this gift.
• We have faith in Jesus Christ, and God gives us eternal life. HE saves us with this gift.
• God also gives us many other gifts throughout our life when we work hard for Him.

[38] Ecclesiastes 2:24 There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.

[39] Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. 13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

• Did you know that God allows us to eat and drink because of the labor and work that we’ve done?
• This is His gift to us. He doesn’t have to give us this gift.
• This is why it’s a great sin to feed people who won’t work.
• If they won’t work, they don’t get to enjoy this gift from God. If you go against that, you are sinning.
• God makes your soul enjoy good in your labor. This is a gift from Him. Don’t mess up that gift.

[40] Ecclesiastes 5:18-19 Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion. 19 Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

• God gives everything. We are not good, and we have not done good all our life.
• But yet, God gives us gifts every single day that we don’t deserve. He gave us eternal life by His grace.
• This means we don’t deserve it. Keep all of these gifts in mind when you are thanking and praising God.
• Please understand everything that He has given you.

[41] Proverbs 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

• When someone does something bad to you and is sorry for it, let it go.
• Especially, let it go when they tell you sorry. Forgive them and move on. Don’t hold it against them.
• People make mistakes. Good people or saved people make mistakes. We need to be sorry.
• You need to forgive your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
• Cover that transgression. Forgive and forget it about it. God does the same.
• He doesn’t keep bringing something back to you over and over again into the future when you are sorry.

Don’t Continue To Bring Up Sins From The Past

If you continue to repeat something you’ve done wrong to someone, it hurts the other person.

• For example, if you did something bad to your husband or wife in the past, ask forgiveness.
• Be forgiven and stop bringing it back up. We move on and do the best we can from this point on.
• If another person keeps bringing something up that you did wrong to them, it hurts.
• What happens? What does the Bible say right there?
• “But he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.” You will lose your friend.
• Don’t bring it up again. Please understand this. Move on.

[42] Proverbs 17:10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

• We take reproof, and we know we did wrong. Wise men and women will take the reproving.
• We make corrections based on our mistakes. We don’t continue to do wrong.
• We mess up and do our best to fix it by walking in the Spirit and not the flesh.
• But a fool will not listen. You can put 100 stripes into that man, and he won’t listen and learn.
• The man who won’t listen to God’s words is a fool. They will get much worse than 100 stripes.

[43] Proverbs 17:11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

• Many times, with the way the world raises teenagers, they want to rebel against their parents.
• “An evil man seeketh only rebellion.” ONLY REBELLION. Sometimes you can’t make anyone happy.
• No matter what you do, they will rebel against you. A cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
• Absalom rebelled against his father, David. He wanted to murder his own father.
• And David was a good man. He didn’t do everything right and perfect, but he tried.
• And yet, that wasn’t enough for Absalom.

[44] 2 Samuel 18:14-15 Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with thee. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the midst of the oak. 15 And ten young men that bare Joab’s armour compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him.

• There’s the cruel messenger sent against Absalom. “An evil man seeketh only rebellion.”
• You don’t want your end to be like that. Stop rebelling and seek after good at all times.
• Seek God’s words at all times and don’t rebel against His words. Just follow them.

[45] Proverbs 17:12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

• Have you ever met a bear who was robbed of her cubs or her babies?
• She’s angry because her babies were taken from her. You don’t want to mess with her.
• It’s better to meet an angry mama bear than to meet a fool in his folly.

[46] Proverbs 27:3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both.

• You don’t want to be around fools who hate God. Nothing good will come from it.
• It’s better to meet an angry bear who just had her cubs stolen than to come close to a fool.

[47] Proverbs 17:13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

• Now, do you believe every word of God is true? Make sure you read that again right there.
• If you reward evil for good, EVIL SHALL NOT DEPART FROM YOUR HOUSE.
• Let’s say someone does you good and helps you, and you turn around and do something evil such as stealing things from them.
• The Bible, which again is the perfect of God, says that evil shall not depart from your house.
• That’s a promise. That’s the truth. You don’t want that so NEVER do that to someone.

Don’t Reward Good With Evil

[48] 1 Samuel 24:16-17 And it came to pass, when David had made an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that Saul said, Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept. 17 And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.

• David only did good to Saul and never wanted to harm him once. Saul rewarded David with evil.

[49] 1 Samuel 31:2-3 And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchi-shua, Saul’s sons. 3 And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers.

• Saul rewarded evil for good with David and evil did not depart from his house. His sons died. He died.
• Let’s keep going in Proverbs Chapter 17.

[50] Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

• Think of letting water out of a huge water tower from a little hole.
• The water will just burst through that hole and get bigger and bigger. The flood will come.
• Things will only get worse. You’ll get smacked down to the ground with that water. Crushed.
• Don’t do that. That’s what strife will do to you. Stay away from strife and drama. Get away from it.
• If you know someone who loves drama all the time, you should stay away from them.

[51] Proverbs 26:21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

[52] Proverbs 29:22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

• There are many examples of men in the Bible who love to stir up strife. Their end was not good.
• Don’t be an angry person who hates everyone when they didn’t do anything to you.
• I know some people like that. They love to cause trouble. They love to attack people.

[53] Proverbs 17:15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.

• An abomination to the Lord means the Lord greatly hates that person. God hates the wicked person.
• What are two examples of what an abominable person will do? Here they are right there.
• They will justify the wicked. What the wicked do is approved by this abominable person.
• They will then condemn the people who are doing right. They will find something to condemn you.
• Those are 2 things that an abominable person will do, and I’ve seen it many times in my life.

[54] Proverbs 24:24-25 He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him: 25 But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

• Be aware of these people. Take heed. Be careful. Get away from these abominable people.
• Rebuke them. Reprove them. And then stay away from them. Reject them.

[55] Exodus 23:7 Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.

• Don’t even go the direction of a false matter. Don’t let abominable people pull you into that business.
• When you won’t take part in it, they get angry. They want you to be a part of their foolish matters.
• Don’t fall for it. Get away and stay away. “KEEP THEE FAR FROM A FALSE MATTER.”

[56] Proverbs 17:16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?

• A fool will attempt to purchase wisdom and wisdom only comes from God.
• Guess what? Wisdom isn’t for sale. Wisdom is free from God. Humble yourself and give in to God.
• Realize that God is the creator of all things, and you aren’t so great. You can’t buy God.
• If you just won’t believe on Jesus Christ, just forget about being wise. It will never happen.
• The beginning of wisdom is believing on Jesus Christ. If you won’t do that, true wisdom never comes.

[57] Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

• When you love your friend, what does that mean? This means you follow God’s commandments.
• When you follow God’s commandments, you do no wrong to your friend.
• When you and your friend and brother go through adversity, you get closer to each other.
• A true brother will be there for you when adversity hits. They will not run the other way.

[58] Proverbs 17:18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

• Do not strike hands or make deals with unknown people to become surety to your friend.
• A true friend will not ask you to be their surety.
• If I was making a deal with some unknown person and I asked you to sign off on it for me, you would become the surety for me with some unknown person.
• I would take all the risk with this unknown person, and you would have none.
• I just took everything for you and made some deal with an unknown man or woman.
• If I did this, I would be a man void of understanding. We do not do this.

Don’t Strike Hands Or Be A Surety For Debts

[59] Proverbs 22:26 Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

• That’s very clear. The risk doesn’t go on to you because it’s not your debt to owe.
• Do not become sureties for debts. That’s very clear right there. It’s a snare and a trap. Stay away.

[60] Proverbs 17:19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.

• Again, we are not to love strife. We are to love peace and to live peaceable with all men IF possible.
• We are not to exalt ourselves as this creates strife. We are to humble ourselves. This gets rid of strife.
• If you love strife and drama in your life, you are seeking destruction. Why would you do that?

[61] Proverbs 29:9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

• There’s a warning for you. Don’t contend with a foolish man. Cut off communications with that man.
• And move on from that foolish man. If not, you will have no rest in your life.
• I’ve seen this throughout my life. I’ve seen examples of what others do to people. I won’t do this.
• I will move on from the foolish man. We cannot continue to contend with these people.
• They will wear you down and wear you out. Don’t allow that to happen in your life.

[62] Proverbs 17:20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

• A froward heart is one that rejects God. Those people will find ZERO GOOD in their life.
• They will continue to search out evil and wicked things and will NEVER be happy.
• Destruction will find them. A perverse tongue causes you to fall into mischief. Many examples I have seen.
• I had a perverse tongue in my life and this caused me to fall into mischief. Get rid of the perverse tongue.
• When you don’t have the truth to speak, don’t speak at all. If you’re speaking God’s words, then speak.
• Truth needs to be spoken. God needs you to speak His words of wisdom to others.
• But, if you’re out there speaking something else, it’s only going to cause you problems.

[63] Proverbs 17:21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

• As a child to my father, I don’t want to be a fool and cause him sorrow and pain.
• A fool will do these things to their own father who has given so much for them.
• “A father of a fool hath no joy.” That’s the truth. So, don’t be a fool. Be wise and follow after Jesus Christ.
• NEVER FORSAKE JESUS CHRIST. If you do, this is foolish and you will find out very quickly.
• You don’t want to go through that pain of being a fool. Been there and done that. Don’t do it.

[64] Proverbs 23:15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

• That’s what you want. Children, be wise and our hearts will rejoice in you. God will rejoice in you.

[65] Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

• This is the truth. When you’re having a bad day, remember Jesus Christ.
• You haven’t had bad days like He’s had. You haven’t been totally betrayed by your creation and killed.
• Remember what He did for you, rejoice, and be glad that He has saved you and given you everlasting life.
• All of these other things in life aren’t so important. It’s the little things that get you down.
• They aren’t important most of the time. Have a MERRY or JOYFUL heart. This is like good medicine.
• A broken spirit drieth the bones. Be merry. Smile. And be happy because you know Jesus Christ.

[66] Proverbs 17:23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

• Think of bribes when you read this. One man walks up to another man and takes a gift out of his pocket.
• This gift might be cash. Slides it right out of his pocket by his chest or bosom and gives it to a judge.
• The judge then perverts his judgement because of the gift given to him.
• The judge is also the very wicked man. Why? Because he takes a bribe and perverts judgement.

[67] Exodus 23:7-8 Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked. 8 And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.

• We don’t take gifts and then change the way we were going to judge a matter.
• We don’t give gifts in an attempt to try to change the way a judge will judge a matter.
• If a family member commits murder, we don’t try to bribe the judge so there is a lesser sentence.
• These things are happening every day. They shouldn’t be happening.

[68] 1 Samuel 8:1-3 And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. 2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beer-sheba. 3 And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.

• Samuel’s sons took bribes and perverted judgement. DON’T DO THIS EVER.
• People in positions of power will take bribes. Happens every day in our capitol city of Frankfort, KY.
• Happens every day in Washington DC. These people pervert judgement for money and gifts. This is evil.

[69] Proverbs 17:24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

• This is a VERY IMPORTANT verse to understand. It seems very simple at first, but it isn’t.
• Finding wisdom is very easy for a man that hath understanding. Where do you find wisdom?
• With God. A wise man knows this. He knows where to go when He needs help and guidance.
• We don’t go to the ways of this world. We go straight to God and His words. We pray.
• In other words, WISDOM IS BEFORE US. We know where to find it.
• We don’t need to waste time searching for it and making errors.

Fools Go Searching For Truth All Over When It’s Right There In The Bible

“But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.” The fool goes searching all over the earth for wisdom.

• They don’t know where to find it because they want nothing to do with God.
• So, how will they find the truth? They won’t. They will be confused.
• When they get to the end of their life and they are about to die, they won’t have anyone to turn to.
• They won’t have Jesus Christ to save them from death and hell. Don’t be a fool.
• Turn to Jesus Christ now and find wisdom, truth, and life. Find understanding through God.
• He is understanding. He is wisdom. He is knowledge. You need that.

[70] Proverbs 17:25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

• You don’t want to be a grief to your father in heaven or your father on earth.
• You don’t want to be bitterness to your mother who had you and took care of you from an infant.
• Did you ever thank your Mom for changing all those diapers of yours? Did you think about that?
• Did you ever thank your Mom for feeding you all of those meals that she worked hard making each day?

Do you know how much your Dad and Mom have done for you? I thank my Dad and Mom right now.

• Think about everything God has done for you. What He’s done for you is beyond belief. It is beyond belief.
• You don’t even know how much He’s done for you. We especially don’t want to be a grief to Him.
• We don’t want to bring Him bitterness. Right?
• Why would we want that for someone who has done so much for us?

[71] 2 Samuel 18:33 And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!

[72] Samuel 19:1 And it was told Joab, Behold, the king weepeth and mourneth for Absalom.

• You don’t want life to end up like this for you or your Dad or your Mom. Part of that was David’s fault.
• We need to follow God with all that we have or our children may turn to foolishness.

[73] Proverbs 19:26 He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.

• Don’t do these things. Treat your Dad and Mom the way they deserve to be treated.
• They had you. They bare you. They took care of you. Be good to them.
• For example, I talked to a real estate agent not too long ago that said something similar to this:
• “I might put my 90 year old mother in that house but I wouldn’t live there.”
• It took me a minute to process that because it’s so messed up.
• This means you don’t care about your own mother at all. Would you really treat your mom like that?

I can guarantee you right now that I will never treat my Mom like that. I know what she did for me.

• She took very good care of me. And I will always take very good care of her no matter what.
• I owe my Dad and Mom so much. We don’t bring them shame. We help them and love them.
• Remember every single day that your Dad and Mom provided for you and took care of you.
• And then remember that God was behind all of that. We don’t shame God or our parents.
• We do good to them by following God’s commandments to us. THEN, we have love for them.

[74] Proverbs 17:26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.

• We do not punish people that did nothing wrong.
• For example, you shouldn’t go after my sister who did nothing wrong to you. But some people will do this.
• It’s evil and it’s wicked. If I punish all my children for something that just one of them did, that’s wrong.
• Have I accidentally done this in my life? Maybe. But I do not do this on purpose.
• Do not punish the people who are trying to do right.

Do Not Punish People For Doing Right

For example, our President of this country wants to punish the people who won’t take the Covid vaccine.

• Let me be clear. Not taking the Covid vaccine is the 100% right thing to do.
• Taking it is the 100% wrong thing to do.
• But yet, our government is attempting to punish us for doing right.
• God doesn’t punish you for doing right. He will punish you for doing wrong.

We also don’t strike or condemn princes or judges for judging matters equally.

• “Well I’m uppity so and so and I deserve better than this low life over there for doing the same thing.”
• This is what many people act like. “Well, I’m more important than that person.” No you aren’t.
• I don’t care what you think. You aren’t better than any other person who God made.
• The only righteousness you’ll ever have is not your own. It will only be the righteousness of God.”
• And that’s it. So don’t think you deserve better than others. Don’t get mad at that.

[75] Proverbs 17:27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

• We spare our words and only use them when needed. Speaking the truth is needed.
• Spare your words when something isn’t so important such as God’s word and salvation.
• Never spare your words about God and Jesus Christ. Save your words for those conversations.
• When someone is arguing about video games, spare your words in that argument.
• Why? It’s not important to argue over something like that.
• Doing so will keep you in an excellent spirit because you have knowledge of the truth.

[76] Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

• In many situations, you should refrain your lips. In other situations, you shouldn’t.
• If someone wants to know how to be saved, you wouldn’t refrain your lips. If so, this would be sin.
• When someone needs to know the truth, you need to tell them.

[77] Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

• You should be studied up in the Bible so you can share God’s word with people who need it.
• Don’t pour out evil things from your mouth. It’s better to just stay quiet.

[78] Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

• You must know when to be quiet and when to speak. We are to contend for God’s words and truth.
• We are to fight for God’s words and His truth.
• We are to fight for our children, our family, and our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.
• I will back the children of God in any situation and at any time “IF” they are doing right.
• The rest of the things in this world aren’t worth fighting for. Hold your peace. Be counted wise.
• Don’t get into something you shouldn’t be getting into. Remember that at all times.

[79] Proverbs 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

• Don’t falsely accuse people of doing things wrong. Don’t start trouble with people.
• Keep your mouth, or hold your m

[80] Proverbs 30:32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

• This is when we need to be quiet. Let’s not lift ourselves up or think to do evil.
• Let’s lift God up, worship Him, and praise Him because He is good.
• If we aren’t doing that, we should probably lay our hands upon our mouths.
• Let’s spread the truth. Let’s help people to be saved by preaching the truth. Make that a priority.
• Make everything else less of a priority.

Let’s pray.