17 Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it
Than a house full of [a]feasting with strife.
2 A servant who acts wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully,
And will share in the inheritance among brothers.
3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,
But the Lord tests hearts.
4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips;
A [b]liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.
5 He who mocks the poor taunts his Maker;
He who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished.
6 Grandchildren are the crown of old men,
And the glory of sons is their fathers.
7 [c]Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool,
Much less are lying lips to a prince.
8 A bribe is a [d]charm in the sight of its owner;
Wherever he turns, he prospers.
9 He who conceals a transgression seeks love,
But he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends.
Solomon begins this proverb with the contrast of peace and strife. He effectively says it’s better not to have children if they are going to grow up to be shameful, liars, gossips, etc. Yet where would they learn such things, except under the example of their parents and grandparents? Nevertheless, Solomon assures us that family and children are valuable in v. 6, that one’s family is a glory and crown.
In the middle of this all, a couple things stand out, and they tie into everything else here. Verse 7 kind of sums things up. “Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool…” After all, who is going to listen to someone who doesn’t show wisdom when they try to lecture folks about the way they should live? If they put on airs and try to seem wise, the truth will come out soon enough.
But lets leave the poor fool alone and turn to the “princes”, as Solomon notes, lying lips are not fitting for a prince, nor is any of the behavior in this proverb. That’s fine, we might say, I’m not a prince! No? Who is our Father then? Is he a mere pauper, a beggar on the side of the road? Rather, our Father is the King over all kings, which makes us what?? Yeah, princes (and yes princesses), and we ought to behave like it.
We need to remember who our Father is, to reflect His glory rather than squandering our position like the fool. We may even think we’ve pulled the wool over everyone’s eyes, but v. 3 makes it clear that nothing is hidden from God. Just like the fire exposes the impurities in gold or silver, God will not be content to leave such things buried in our hearts.
We should strive every day to live in such a way that God’s glory shines in our conduct, and in our speech. Be both the servant and the son (v. 2) that acts wisely, following the instructions of our Father, who knows what we need, and what we need to be to those around us. Let Him mold and shape you as one who need not be ashamed, but rather a crown to your Father in Heaven.