Why are some people wiser than those who claim to know the scriptures? Let’s look at Proverbs 17.
When is a house with only a crust of bread to eat better than one filled with food?
Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of [feasting] sacrifices with strife. (Pr 17:1 KJV)
When could an employee be promoted and be likely to inherit a share in the family business above a son?
A slave who acts insightfully will rule over a son who acts shamefully, And will share in the inheritance among brothers. (Pr 17:2 LSB)
Are the hardest trials of life sometimes a character building test from God?
The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the Lord tests hearts. (Pr 17:3 NASB)
How much credence do we give to the deceptive and malicious talk of this world?
A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue. (Pr 17:4 NIV)
What does God think about those who laugh at the poor and happily oppress them?
Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished. (Pr 17:5 NLT)
Is it an honor to have grandchildren and do we glory in the memory of our parents?
Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children is their parents. (Pr 17:6 WEB)
How awful is it when a fool talks too much or when a politician tells lies?
Too much talking isn’t right for a fool; even less so false speech for an honorable person. (Pr 17:7 CEB)
Is a bribe deceptively like a miracle to the one who buys favor?
A bribe is like a magic stone in the eyes of the one who gives it; wherever he turns he prospers. (Pr 17:8 ESV)
Are there some things in life that we should just keep our mouths shut about?
Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but whoever gossips about it separates friends. (Pr 17:9 HCSB)
When someone receives a correction, what does it say about their character?
A rebuke is more effective with a man of understanding than a hundred lashes to a fool. (Pr 17:10 ISV)
What kind of person only wants to disobey authority and what will happen to them?
An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. (Pr 17:11 KJV)
How dangerous is it to meet a fool carried away with his stupidity?
Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly. (Pr 17:12 LSB)
If people are kind to us and we return evil for their good, what does God promise will happen?
One who returns evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house. (Pr 17:13 NASB)
What is the result of starting an argument rather than dropping the matter?
Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. (Pr 17:14 NIV)
If we defend a bad person and condemn a good person, what are we to God?
He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord. (Pr 17:15 NKJV)
Why pay good money for the school fees of a person who refuses to learn?
It is senseless to pay to educate a fool, since he has no heart for learning. (Pr 17:16 NLT)
If we go through hard times, perhaps losing everything, though many will abandon us, who will still be there?
A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity. (Pr 17:17 WEB)
Who quickly signs something without reading or consulting a lawyer?
One with no sense shakes hands on a deal, securing a loan for a friend. (Pr 17:18 CEB)
Who is so foolish as to do and say things that invite people to hate them?
The wicked and the proud love trouble and keep begging to be hurt. (Pr 17:19 CEV)
What can’t people with evil hearts find, and where do those who tell lies fall?
A man of crooked heart does not discover good, and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity. (Pr 17:20 ESV)
What kind of life do the parents of a foolish child have?
A man fathers a fool to his own sorrow; the father of a fool has no joy. (Pr 17:21 HCSB)
Does a happy disposition in life have a follow on affect for our health?
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit drains one’s strength. (Pr 17:22 ISV)
What kind of politician or officer of the court takes a bribe?
A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment. (Pr 17:23 KJV)
Is wisdom available right here or do we need to explore the ends of the earth to find it?
Wisdom is in the presence of the one who understands, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. (Pr 17:24 LSB)
What kind of children cause their parents heartache and sorrow?
A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her who gave birth to him. (Pr 17:25 NASB)
Is it wrong to punish the godly for being good or to flog leaders for being honest?
If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good, surely to flog honest officials is not right. (Pr 17:26 NIV)
What is often the difference between a blabber mouth and a quiet person?
He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. (Pr 17:27 NKJV)
What happens when even a fool keeps his mouth shut?
Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. (Pr 17:28 NLT)
How is it that wise men from the east were invited to celebrate the birth of Jesus, when many in Israel were offended by it?
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who is born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and have come to worship him.” (Mat 2:1-2 WEB)
Why are some people wiser than those who claim to know the scriptures? You decide!
