In Proverbs 17 we learn quietness, wisdom, The Lord tries hearts only, guard the tongue, part of the appreciation and peace offering was eaten by the family of the offeror. When these offerings were made, it would have been feast day in the home. This much beautiful food would have meant nothing if arguing and turmoil was in the home. Our homes should be a place of peace to get away from the troubles of the world, not a battle ground. I believe this is saying that we may go through fiery trials (to make us more pure in heart). The Lord burns all the impurities out of us and makes us pure before Him. A wicked person travels with wicked people. We must take tender mercy for all the down trodden if we are to be like our Maker. I cannot imagine anyone being glad at calamities. This would have to be a very cruel person who would enjoy seeing others suffer. God wants us to love our neighbor {The person next to us} A truly good father brings joy to his family. A fool has no understanding as well. Whatever comes of his mouth should not be heeded. You cannot depend upon what he says. It is even more important that they speak truth. They directly affect the lives of so many who depend on their integrity. We must not open up and let angry words fly loose; if we do, someone will be destroyed and usually we are destroyed right along with the others. Leave off the strife before it starts. “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” ( Proverbs 17:17 ). Loyalty is the hallmark of a good friendship. Loyal friends are reliable in terms of the words they say to you and especially in terms of the words they say about you to others. There is one thing about the usefulness of which all men are agreed, namely, friendship; but most men are soon aware that counterfeits of friendship are common as autumn leaves. Few men enjoy from others the highest and truest form of friendship. A man may show himself to be a wise man, by the good temper of his mind, and by the good government of his tongue. He is careful when he does speak, to speak to the purpose. God knows his heart, and the folly that is bound there; therefore he cannot be deceived in his judgment as men may be.
Proverbs 17:1-28
Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife. A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causes shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren. The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD tried the hearts. A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue. Whoso mocks the poor reproaches his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince. A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turns, it prosperity. He that covered a transgression seeks love; but he that repeated a matter separates very friends. A reproof enters more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool. An evil man seeks only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. Whoso rewarded evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. The beginning of strife is as when one lets out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with. He that justifies the wicked, and he that condemned the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD. Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it? A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend. He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalted his gate seeks destruction. He that hath a froward heart finds no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falls into mischief. He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy. A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dried the bones. A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment. Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth. A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him. Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity. He that hath knowledge spares his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
{Lets Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You for placing us in families. You ordained within the family unit roles and responsibilities You ordained within the family unit as Your backbone and light to guide into others lives. I recognize the responsibility on volunteers, spouses, parents, grandparents and great grandparent’s on and on. Bringing up children and grandchildren in the fear of the Lord. I thank You and praise You for the godly people You have placed in each of our lives. I believe Your blessing on the men and women of our nation , the fathers, mothers and grandfathers and grandmothers of our land, and believe that each one would take the responsibilities of training up their sons and daughters in the way they should go so that each becomes a crown of glory in their old age and are praised and honored by their children. I believe for blessings in Your church family in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
{Power Verse}
He that hath knowledge spares his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Proverbs 17:27
"Only Life Changes" 