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Proverbs Chapter Study

Better Is a Dry Morsel With Quietness

Proverbs 17 (KJV)

Proverbs 17 teaches the value of peace, wisdom, integrity, correction, family honor, righteous judgment, and controlled speech. Solomon shows that quietness with little is better than a house full of conflict, that the LORD tries the hearts, and that wisdom is seen in how a person handles strife, correction, friendship, and words.

What You’ll Learn

• Why peace is better than abundance with conflict
• How the LORD tries and examines the heart
• Why covering a transgression can preserve love
• How true friendship remains steady in adversity
• Why foolishness brings grief to families and communities
• How wisdom is shown through few and careful words

Wisdom values peace over plenty, receives correction, guards relationships, judges righteously, and restrains the tongue.

Bible Translation Note Scripture Verse-by-Verse Study Chapter Synopsis Prayer Personal Application Weekly Actions Chapter Summary

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

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

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.

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

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

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

Proverbs 17:6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Proverbs 17:1

Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

Study: A humble meal with peace is better than abundance in a home filled with conflict. Spiritually, peace is more valuable than outward plenty. Practically, a peaceful home is richer than a full table surrounded by anger and division.

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.

Study: Wisdom can elevate a servant above a shameful son. Spiritually, character matters more than position or birthright. Practically, responsibility and wisdom can bring honor, while foolishness can waste privilege.

Proverbs 17:3

The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.

Study: Silver and gold are tested by fire, but the LORD tests the heart. Spiritually, God sees beyond appearance and examines what is within. Practically, trials often reveal motives, character, faith, and integrity.

Proverbs 17:4

A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.

Study: Wicked people are drawn to false speech, and liars listen to corrupt talk. Spiritually, the heart is revealed by what it chooses to receive. Practically, what we listen to can either feed wisdom or strengthen deception.

Proverbs 17:5

Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.

Study: Mocking the poor insults the God who made them, and rejoicing over disaster invites judgment. Spiritually, every person bears accountability before the Creator. Practically, wisdom refuses cruelty, mockery, and pleasure in another person’s pain.

Proverbs 17:6

Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

Study: Grandchildren are an honor to the aged, and godly fathers are a glory to their children. Spiritually, family legacy matters. Practically, wisdom calls each generation to live in a way that blesses and honors the next.

Proverbs 17:7

Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

Study: Noble speech does not fit a fool, and lies are even more unfitting for a ruler. Spiritually, words should match character. Practically, leadership requires truthfulness, because dishonest speech corrupts authority.

Proverbs 17:8

A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

Study: A gift can appear powerful and useful to the one who possesses it. Spiritually, this warns that people may trust in influence rather than righteousness. Practically, gifts and favors can open doors, but they must never replace integrity.

Proverbs 17:9

He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

Study: Covering a wrong can seek love, while repeating a matter can separate close friends. Spiritually, love is not eager to expose and spread every failure. Practically, gossip and repeated offense can damage relationships that forgiveness could have protected.

Proverbs 17:10

A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

Study: A wise person receives correction more deeply than a fool receives severe punishment. Spiritually, teachability is a mark of wisdom. Practically, one honest rebuke can change a humble person, while repeated consequences may not change a fool.

Proverbs 17:11

An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

Study: An evil person seeks rebellion, and judgment will come against him. Spiritually, rebellion against righteousness invites consequences. Practically, a person who constantly resists correction eventually faces harder discipline.

Proverbs 17:12

Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

Study: Meeting a fool in full folly is pictured as more dangerous than meeting an angry bear. Spiritually, folly is not harmless. Practically, foolishness can become unpredictable, destructive, and dangerous to everyone nearby.

Proverbs 17:13

Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

Study: Repaying good with evil brings lasting trouble. Spiritually, ingratitude and betrayal oppose righteousness. Practically, when a person returns harm for kindness, they invite consequences that affect their household and future.

Proverbs 17:14

The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

Study: Strife begins like a small break in a dam that can quickly become uncontrollable. Spiritually, wisdom stops conflict before pride fuels it. Practically, some arguments are easiest to end before they fully begin.

Proverbs 17:15

He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.

Study: Calling the wicked righteous and condemning the righteous are both abominations to the LORD. Spiritually, God cares deeply about justice and truth. Practically, wisdom refuses to twist judgment for convenience, pressure, favoritism, or gain.

Proverbs 17:16

Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?

Study: Money or opportunity cannot give wisdom to someone who has no heart for it. Spiritually, wisdom requires desire, humility, and reverence. Practically, resources are wasted when a person refuses to receive instruction.

Proverbs 17:17

A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Study: True friendship is steady, and brotherhood is proven in adversity. Spiritually, love is faithful beyond convenience. Practically, real relationships are revealed when life becomes difficult, costly, or uncomfortable.

Proverbs 17:18

A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

Study: A person lacking understanding quickly enters risky financial promises for another. Spiritually, love should still be guided by wisdom. Practically, becoming surety without discernment can create burdens that damage both finances and relationships.

Proverbs 17:19

He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.

Study: Loving strife reveals a love for transgression, and prideful self-exaltation seeks ruin. Spiritually, conflict often exposes deeper rebellion. Practically, people who constantly stir up arguments are moving toward destruction, not wisdom.

Proverbs 17:20

He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

Study: A crooked heart finds no good, and a perverse tongue falls into trouble. Spiritually, inner corruption eventually shapes outward speech. Practically, twisted motives and twisted words create problems that wisdom could have avoided.

Proverbs 17:21

He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

Study: A foolish child brings sorrow and removes joy from a father. Spiritually, folly affects more than the fool alone. Practically, personal choices can bring grief to the people who love us most.

Proverbs 17:22

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

Study: A joyful heart brings strength and healing, while a crushed spirit weakens deeply. Spiritually, the condition of the inner person matters. Practically, encouragement, hope, gratitude, and joy can bring life where discouragement drains strength.

Proverbs 17:23

A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

Study: The wicked accept secret gifts to twist justice. Spiritually, bribery corrupts judgment and dishonors God. Practically, hidden incentives can lead people to make decisions that betray truth, fairness, and righteousness.

Proverbs 17:24

Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

Study: The person with understanding keeps wisdom in view, but the fool is distracted and restless. Spiritually, wisdom gives focus. Practically, foolishness is often chasing everything far away while ignoring what is right in front of it.

Proverbs 17:25

A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.

Study: Foolishness in a child brings grief to the father and bitterness to the mother. Spiritually, wisdom honors the family, while folly wounds it. Practically, our choices can either bring peace to our homes or deep sorrow to those who raised us.

Proverbs 17:26

Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.

Study: Punishing the righteous and attacking upright leaders is not good. Spiritually, God’s justice rejects the mistreatment of the innocent. Practically, correction and discipline must be aimed at wrong, not used against those who act with integrity.

Proverbs 17:27

He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

Study: A knowledgeable person restrains his words, and understanding produces a calm and excellent spirit. Spiritually, wisdom is not loud or careless. Practically, measured speech often shows more strength than constant talking.

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.

Study: Even a fool can appear wise by staying silent, and restrained lips can look like understanding. Spiritually, silence can protect a person from exposing folly. Practically, there are times when saying less is the wisest thing to do.

Proverbs 17 teaches that peace, wisdom, justice, friendship, and controlled speech are marks of a life guided by understanding. Solomon begins by showing that a quiet home with little is better than abundance with strife. The chapter teaches that the LORD tests the heart, that mocking the poor dishonors the Creator, and that true wisdom receives correction. Proverbs 17 also warns against gossip, rebellion, foolishness, bribery, false judgment, strife, and perverse speech. It highlights the blessing of family honor, the faithfulness of true friendship, and the healing power of a merry heart. The chapter closes by showing that wisdom often appears through restraint: the knowledgeable person spares his words, and even a fool may seem wise when he keeps silent.

Lord, give me a heart that values peace more than abundance with strife. Try my heart and purify my motives. Teach me to receive correction, guard my words, reject gossip, and pursue love in my relationships. Help me be a faithful friend, a wise family member, and a person of justice and integrity. Keep me from foolishness, pride, bribery, rebellion, and careless speech. Give me a merry heart, an excellent spirit, and the wisdom to know when to speak and when to be silent. Amen.

• Read Proverbs 17 every day this week
• Memorize Proverbs 17:3, Proverbs 17:17, Proverbs 17:22, or Proverbs 17:27
• Choose peace in one situation where you would normally argue
• Refuse to repeat a matter that could damage a friendship
• Receive one correction without defending yourself immediately
• Encourage someone with words that bring life and strength
• Practice silence before speaking in a tense conversation

Proverbs 17 teaches that wisdom is seen in peace, correction, justice, friendship, family honor, and speech. The chapter opens by showing that a small meal with quietness is better than a full house with strife. Solomon reminds the reader that the LORD tests the heart just as fire tests silver and gold. The chapter warns against false lips, mocking the poor, gossip, rebellion, foolishness, bribery, and unjust judgment. It also teaches that covering a transgression can seek love, while repeating a matter can separate close friends. Proverbs 17 gives strong instruction about conflict, showing that strife should be stopped before it grows out of control. It also highlights one of the clearest pictures of faithful friendship in Scripture: a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. The chapter closes with a major lesson on speech: the person with knowledge spares his words, and even a fool can appear wise when he keeps silent.

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