Proverbs | Chapter Summaries + Study Questionsنموونە

PROVERBS 17

A JOYFUL HEART IS GOOD MEDICINE

Just like silver and gold are refined by fire, God refines and tests our hearts. When our hearts are joyful and focused on God, they are like good medicine to the body. On the contrary, a crushed spirit will dry up our bones.

The wise servant is in a better position than the foolish son; the wise will be included in the inheritance. Restraint is another characteristic of knowledge, even those who keep silent are considered more wise than the fool.

Solomon believes that the father of a fool has no joy, which sheds light on his wanting to pass knowledge down to his son. Similarly, Solomon says that a good friend loves at all times and families stick together in times of adversity.

STUDY QUESTIONS

• Read Proverbs 17:5 and Matthew 25:37-40. What do these two verses reveal about how we treat those in need?
• Proverbs 17:22 (ESV) says, “a joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” How can your attitudes, positive or negative, affect your physical well-being?