Friend, Book of Proverbs

A friend is a friend at all times, and a brother is born for the time of adversity.

+ Book of Proverbs 17, 17

http://www.usccb.org/bible/proverbs/17

Advice, Book of Proverbs

Of what use is money in the hands of fools when they have no heart to acquire wisdom?

+ Book of Proverbs 17, 16

[17:16] The exhortation to acquire or purchase wisdom is common in Proverbs. Fools misunderstand the metaphor, assuming they can buy it with money. Their very misunderstanding shows they have no “heart” = mind, understanding. Money in the hand is no good without such a “heart” to store it in.

http://www.usccb.org/bible/proverbs/17

Advice, Book of Proverbs

If you return evil for good, evil will not depart from your house.

+ Book of Proverbs 17, 13

[17:13] The paradox is that to pay out evil for good means that the evil will never leave one’s own house.

http://www.usccb.org/bible/proverbs/17

Advice, Book of Proverbs

The wicked pursue only rebellion, and a merciless messenger is sent against them.

+ Book of Proverbs 17, 11

[17:11] The irony is that such people will meet up with what they so energetically pursue—in the form of an unrelenting emissary sent to them.

http://www.usccb.org/bible/proverbs/17