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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/17.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son and will share the inheritance as one of the family.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />A wise servant will rule over the master’s disgraceful son and will share the inheritance of the master’s children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son and share his inheritance as one of the brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, And will share an inheritance among the brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A servant who acts wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully, And will share in the inheritance among brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A servant who acts wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully, And will share in the inheritance among brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A servant who acts wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully, And will share in the inheritance among brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A slave who acts insightfully will rule over a son who acts shamefully, And will share in the inheritance among brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A wise servant will rule over the [unworthy] son who acts shamefully <i>and</i> brings disgrace [to the family] And [the worthy servant] will share in the inheritance among the brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son and share an inheritance among brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son and share an inheritance among brothers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, And shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />A wise slave will be placed in charge of a no-good child, and that slave will be given the same inheritance that each child receives. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A wise slave will become master over a son who acts shamefully, and he will share the inheritance with the brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A shrewd servant will gain authority over a master's worthless son and receive a part of the inheritance. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A prudent servant will rule in place of a disgraceful son and will share in the inheritance among brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son and share his inheritance as one of the brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A servant who acts wisely will rule over an heir who behaves shamefully, and will share the inheritance along with the relatives. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A wise servant rules over a son causing shame, "" And he apportions an inheritance in the midst of brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A wise servant ruleth over a son causing shame, And in the midst of brethren He apportioneth an inheritance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />An understanding servant shall rule a son causing shame, and shall divide the inheritance in the midst of the brethren.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A wise servant shall rule over foolish sons, and shall divide the inheritance among the brethren. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A wise servant shall rule over foolish sons, and he will divide the inheritance among brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A wise servant will rule over an unworthy son, and will share the inheritance of the children. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />A slave who deals wisely will rule over a child who acts shamefully, and will share the inheritance as one of the family.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A wise servant shall rule over a son who causes shame, and shall share the inheritance among the brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />An intelligent Servant will be authorized over a disgraceful son, and he will divide property among brothers.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that dealeth shamefully, And shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A wise servant shall have rule over foolish masters, and shall divide portions among brethren.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/17-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3305" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/17.htm">Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Better a dry morsel in quietness than a house full of feasting with strife. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7919.htm" title="7919: maś·kîl (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To be, circumspect, intelligent. A primitive root; to be circumspect and hence, intelligent.">A wise</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘e·ḇeḏ- (N-ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">servant</a> <a href="/hebrew/4910.htm" title="4910: yim·šōl (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To rule, have dominion, reign. A primitive root; to rule.">will rule over</a> <a href="/hebrew/954.htm" title="954: mê·ḇîš (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To be ashamed. A primitive root; properly, to pale, i.e. By implication to be ashamed; also to be disappointed or delayed.">a disgraceful</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·ḇên (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/2505.htm" title="2505: ya·ḥă·lōq (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To be smooth, to apportion, separate. A primitive root; to be smooth; by implication to apportion or separate.">and share</a> <a href="/hebrew/5159.htm" title="5159: na·ḥă·lāh (N-fs) -- From nachal; properly, something inherited, i.e. occupancy, or an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion.">his inheritance</a> <a href="/hebrew/8432.htm" title="8432: ū·ḇə·ṯō·wḵ (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Midst. From an unused root meaning to sever; a bisection, i.e. the centre.">as one of</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’a·ḥîm (N-mp) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">the brothers.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-1.htm">Galatians 4:1-7</a></span><br />What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of everything. / He is subject to guardians and trustees until the date set by his father. / So also, when we were children, we were enslaved under the basic principles of the world. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/21-10.htm">Genesis 21:10</a></span><br />and she said to Abraham, “Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/16-1.htm">Genesis 16:1-4</a></span><br />Now Abram’s wife Sarai had borne him no children, but she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. / So Sarai said to Abram, “Look now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. / So after he had lived in Canaan for ten years, his wife Sarai took her Egyptian maidservant Hagar and gave her to Abram to be his wife. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/25-5.htm">Genesis 25:5-6</a></span><br />Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac. / But while he was still alive, Abraham gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away from his son Isaac to the land of the east.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/15-2.htm">Genesis 15:2-3</a></span><br />But Abram replied, “O Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I remain childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” / Abram continued, “Behold, You have given me no offspring, so a servant in my household will be my heir.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/15-11.htm">Luke 15:11-32</a></span><br />Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. / The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. / After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-14.htm">Romans 8:14-17</a></span><br />For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. / For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” / The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-8.htm">1 Corinthians 4:8</a></span><br />Already you have all you want. Already you have become rich. Without us, you have become kings. How I wish you really were kings, so that we might be kings with you!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-35.htm">John 8:35-36</a></span><br />A slave does not remain in the house forever, but a son remains forever. / So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/3-5.htm">Hebrews 3:5-6</a></span><br />Now Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be spoken later. / But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-16.htm">1 Peter 2:16</a></span><br />Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-9</a></span><br />Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. / And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. / Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22-24</a></span><br />Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. / Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-14.htm">Matthew 25:14-30</a></span><br />For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">1 Timothy 6:1-2</a></span><br />All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited. / Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causes shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brothers.</p><p class="hdg">wise</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/11-29.htm">Proverbs 11:29</a></b></br> He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool <i>shall be</i> servant to the wise of heart.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Proverbs 14:35</a></b></br> The king's favour <i>is</i> toward a wise servant: but his wrath is <i>against</i> him that causeth shame.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/24-4.htm">Genesis 24:4</a></b></br> But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.</p><p class="hdg">that</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-5.htm">Proverbs 10:5</a></b></br> He that gathereth in summer <i>is</i> a wise son: <i>but</i> he that sleepeth in harvest <i>is</i> a son that causeth shame.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-26.htm">Proverbs 19:26</a></b></br> He that wasteth <i>his</i> father, <i>and</i> chaseth away <i>his</i> mother, <i>is</i> a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/29-15.htm">Proverbs 29:15</a></b></br> The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left <i>to himself</i> bringeth his mother to shame.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/16-12.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/psalms/68-12.htm">Apportioneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Causes</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-29.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Dealeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Deals</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-4.htm">Disgraceful</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-22.htm">Inheritance</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-33.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-19.htm">Part</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-24.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">Ruleth</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Shamefully</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-19.htm">Share</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-24.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-23.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-23.htm">Wisely</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/18-19.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/genesis/49-27.htm">Apportioneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-26.htm">Causes</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-18.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-26.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-26.htm">Dealeth</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-2.htm">Deals</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-26.htm">Disgraceful</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-14.htm">Heritage</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-14.htm">Inheritance</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-13.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-24.htm">Part</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-10.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-7.htm">Ruleth</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-11.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-5.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-26.htm">Shamefully</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-9.htm">Share</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-10.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-10.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-12.htm">Wisely</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm">Contrasts between the Righteous and the Wicked</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son</b><br>This phrase highlights the value of wisdom over mere birthright or status. In ancient Israel, the family structure was patriarchal, with sons typically inheriting leadership and property. However, this proverb suggests that wisdom and character can elevate a servant above a son who lacks integrity. This is reminiscent of Joseph, who, though a servant in Egypt, rose to power due to his wisdom and discernment (<a href="/genesis/41-39.htm">Genesis 41:39-41</a>). The concept of a servant ruling over a son also foreshadows the New Testament teaching that those who are faithful in little will be entrusted with much (<a href="/luke/16-10.htm">Luke 16:10</a>).<p><b>and share his inheritance as one of the brothers.</b><br>In the cultural context of the Old Testament, inheritance was a significant aspect of family life, usually reserved for sons. The idea that a servant could share in the inheritance indicates a radical shift based on merit rather than birth. This reflects the biblical theme that God honors those who are faithful and wise, regardless of their social standing. It also parallels the New Testament teaching that believers, regardless of their background, are co-heirs with Christ (<a href="/romans/8-17.htm">Romans 8:17</a>). This phrase underscores the principle that God's kingdom values wisdom and righteousness over traditional human hierarchies.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/w/wise_servant.htm">Wise Servant</a></b><br>Represents an individual who, despite a lower social status, demonstrates wisdom and integrity, leading to a position of authority and honor.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/disgraceful_son.htm">Disgraceful Son</a></b><br>Symbolizes a person who, despite having a privileged position by birth, acts foolishly and brings shame upon themselves and their family.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/inheritance.htm">Inheritance</a></b><br>Refers to the distribution of family wealth or property, traditionally passed down to sons, but in this case, shared with a wise servant due to the son's disgrace.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/brothers.htm">Brothers</a></b><br>Represents the family unit, typically the rightful heirs to the inheritance, highlighting the unusual circumstance of a servant sharing in their portion.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_over_birthright.htm">Wisdom Over Birthright</a></b><br>The verse teaches that wisdom and integrity can elevate a person beyond their social or familial status. In God's economy, character and wisdom are more valuable than mere birthright.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_foolishness.htm">Consequences of Foolishness</a></b><br>A disgraceful son loses his rightful inheritance due to his actions. This serves as a warning that foolishness and disgrace can lead to loss of privilege and honor.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_and_reward.htm">God's Justice and Reward</a></b><br>God rewards those who are wise and faithful, regardless of their starting position in life. This encourages believers to pursue wisdom and integrity, trusting that God sees and rewards their efforts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_servanthood.htm">Role of Servanthood</a></b><br>The wise servant's rise to authority highlights the biblical principle that true leadership is rooted in servanthood and humility, aligning with Jesus' teaching that the greatest among us must be a servant.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_ymca_and_ywca.htm">Who was Eliezer in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_law_of_first_mention.htm">What is the Law of First Mention?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_mentoring.htm">What does the Bible say about Christian mentoring?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_was_isaiah_unclothed_for_his_message.htm">What defines a gentle and quiet spirit?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame. . . .--</span>This was strikingly exhibited in the case of Ziba, who by his timely succour to David (2 Samuel 16), first gained all the property of his master, Mephibosheth (<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>the "man of shame"), and was later confirmed in the possession of half of it. Slaves, especially those "born in the house," often rose to a position of great trust. (Comp. <a href="/genesis/24-2.htm" title="And Abraham said to his oldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray you, your hand under my thigh:">Genesis 24:2</a>; <a href="/context/genesis/39-4.htm" title="And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.">Genesis 39:4-6</a>.) Eliezer would have been Abraham's heir had not Isaac been born (<a href="/genesis/15-3.htm" title="And Abram said, Behold, to me you have given no seed: and, see, one born in my house is my heir.">Genesis 15:3</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame.</span> Here is intimated the supremacy of wisdom over folly and vice. The contrast is better emphasized by translating, <span class="accented">A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that doeth shamefully</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> a son of his master. (For similar contrast between "wise" and "shameful," comp. <a href="/proverbs/10-5.htm">Proverbs 10:5</a>; <a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">Proverbs 14:35</a>.) Slaves were often raised to high honour, and might inherit their master's possessions. Thus Abraham's servant, Eliezer of Damascus, was at one time considered the patriarch's heir (<a href="/genesis/15-2.htm">Genesis 15:2, 3</a>); Ziba, Saul's servant, obtained the inheritance of his lord Mephibosheth ("the Shameful," <a href="/2_samuel/16-4.htm">2 Samuel 16:4</a>); Joseph was advanced to the highest post in Egypt. Ecclus. 10:25, "Unto the servant that is wise shall they that are free do service; and he that is wise will not grudge when he is reformed." Septuagint, "A wise household servant shall rule over foolish masters." "I have seen," says Ecelesiastes (Ecclesiastes 10:7), "servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth." <span class="cmt_word">Shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren;</span> shall share on equal terms with the sons of the house. This innovation on the usual disposition of property could happen only in the case of an abnormally intelligent and trusted slave. In <a href="/1_chronicles/2-34.htm">1 Chronicles 2:34</a>, etc., mention is made of a case where a master, having no son, gave his daughter in marriage to a slave, and adopted him into the family. Delitzsch understands the clause to mean that the slave shall have the office of dividing his master's inheritance among the heirs, shall be the executor of his deceased master's will; but this explanation hardly seems to do justice to the merits of the "wise servant," and takes no account of the idea involved in "shameful son." But the Septuagint appears to countenance this view, rendering, "and among the brethren he shall divide the portions." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/17-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A wise</span><br /><span class="heb">מַשְׂכִּ֗יל</span> <span class="translit">(maś·kîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7919.htm">Strong's 7919: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be, circumspect, intelligent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">servant</span><br /><span class="heb">עֶֽבֶד־</span> <span class="translit">(‘e·ḇeḏ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will rule over</span><br /><span class="heb">יִ֭מְשֹׁל</span> <span class="translit">(yim·šōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4910.htm">Strong's 4910: </a> </span><span class="str2">To rule, have dominion, reign</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a disgraceful</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵבִ֑ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(mê·ḇîš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_954.htm">Strong's 954: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pale, to be ashamed, to be disappointed, delayed</span><br /><br /><span class="word">son</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּבֵ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḇên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and share</span><br /><span class="heb">יַחֲלֹ֥ק</span> <span class="translit">(ya·ḥă·lōq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2505.htm">Strong's 2505: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be smooth, to apportion, separate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his inheritance</span><br /><span class="heb">נַחֲלָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(na·ḥă·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5159.htm">Strong's 5159: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something inherited, occupancy, an heirloom, an estate, patrimony, portion</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as one of</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבְת֥וֹךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇə·ṯō·wḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8432.htm">Strong's 8432: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bisection, the centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the brothers.</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֝חִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(’a·ḥîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> </span><span class="str2">A brother, )</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/17-2.htm">Proverbs 17:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/17-2.htm">Proverbs 17:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/17-2.htm">Proverbs 17:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/17-2.htm">Proverbs 17:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/17-2.htm">Proverbs 17:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/17-2.htm">Proverbs 17:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/17-2.htm">Proverbs 17:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/17-2.htm">Proverbs 17:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/17-2.htm">Proverbs 17:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/17-2.htm">Proverbs 17:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/17-2.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 17:2 A servant who deals wisely will rule (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 17:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 17:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 17:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 17:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>