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border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/17-11.htm" title="Proverbs 17:11">◄</a> Proverbs 17:12 <a href="/proverbs/17-13.htm" title="Proverbs 17:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div 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 />Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool bent on folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than to confront a fool caught in foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs rather than a fool in his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Let a person meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Let a man meet a [ferocious] bear robbed of her cubs Rather than the [angry, narcissistic] fool in his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better for a person to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Better for a man to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his foolishness. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />A bear robbed of her cubs is far less dangerous than a stubborn fool. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Better to meet a bear robbed of its cubs than a fool [carried away] with his stupidity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />It is better to meet a mother bear robbed of her cubs than to meet some fool busy with a stupid project. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />It's better to meet a mother bear who has lost her cubs than a fool in his stupidity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />It is better for a person to meet a mother bear being robbed of her cubs, than to encounter a fool in his folly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The meeting of a bereaved bear by a man, "" And—not a fool in his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The meeting of a bereaved bear by a man, And -- not a fool in his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A bereaved bear meeting with a, man, and not a fool in his folly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />It is better to meet a bear robbed of her whelps, than a fool trusting in his own folly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />It is more expedient to meet a bear robbed of her young, than the foolish trusting in his own folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Face a bear robbed of her cubs, but never fools in their folly! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Better to meet a she-bear robbed of its cubs than to confront a fool immersed in folly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Meditation and reverence are suitable for a wise man; but a fool meditates in his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Anxiety and fear fall to a wise man, and to a fool in his insanity.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Care may befall a man of understanding; but fools will meditate evils.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/17-12.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=3384" 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">11</span>An evil man seeks only rebellion; a cruel messenger will be sent against him. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: bə·’îš (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">It is better</a> <a href="/hebrew/6298.htm" title="6298: pā·ḡō·wōš (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To meet, encounter. A primitive root; to come in contact with, whether by accident or violence; figuratively, to concur.">to meet</a> <a href="/hebrew/1677.htm" title="1677: dōḇ (N-fs) -- A bear. Or dowb; from dabab; the bear.">a bear</a> <a href="/hebrew/7909.htm" title="7909: šak·kūl (Adj-ms) -- Childless. Or shakkul; from shakol; bereaved.">robbed of her cubs</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">than</a> <a href="/hebrew/3684.htm" title="3684: kə·sîl (N-ms) -- Stupid fellow, dullard, fool. From kacal; properly, fat, i.e. stupid or silly.">a fool</a> <a href="/hebrew/200.htm" title="200: bə·’iw·wal·tōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Folly. From the same as 'eviyl; silliness.">in his folly.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>If anyone returns evil for good, evil will never leave his house.…<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="/hosea/13-8.htm">Hosea 13:8</a></span><br />Like a bear robbed of her cubs I will attack them, and I will tear open their chests. There I will devour them like a lion, like a wild beast tearing them apart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-8.htm">2 Samuel 17:8</a></span><br />He continued, “You know your father and his men. They are mighty men, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Moreover, your father is a man of war who will not spend the night with the troops.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15</a></span><br />Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-12.htm">2 Peter 2:12</a></span><br />These men are like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed. They blaspheme in matters they do not understand, and like such creatures, they too will be destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/7-2.htm">Psalm 7:2</a></span><br />or they will shred my soul like a lion and tear me to pieces with no one to rescue me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-6.htm">Jeremiah 5:6</a></span><br />Therefore a lion from the forest will strike them down, a wolf from the desert will ravage them. A leopard will lie in wait near their cities, and everyone who ventures out will be torn to pieces. For their rebellious acts are many, and their unfaithful deeds are numerous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/11-6.htm">Isaiah 11:6-9</a></span><br />The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat; the calf and young lion and fatling will be together, and a little child will lead them. / The cow will graze with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. / The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></span><br />Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-3.htm">Luke 10:3</a></span><br />Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-29.htm">Acts 20:29</a></span><br />I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/10-9.htm">Psalm 10:9</a></span><br />He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-25.htm">Ezekiel 22:25</a></span><br />The conspiracy of the princes in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing its prey. They devour the people, seize the treasures and precious things, and multiply the widows within her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a></span><br />Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/18-4.htm">Job 18:4</a></span><br />You who tear yourself in anger—should the earth be forsaken on your account, or the rocks be moved from their place?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/35-9.htm">Isaiah 35:9</a></span><br />No lion will be there, and no vicious beast will go up on it. Such will not be found there, but the redeemed will walk upon it.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.</p><p class="hdg">a bear</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/28-15.htm">Proverbs 28:15</a></b></br> <i>As</i> a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; <i>so is</i> a wicked ruler over the poor people.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/17-8.htm">2 Samuel 17:8</a></b></br> For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they <i>be</i> mighty men, and they <i>be</i> chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father <i>is</i> a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/2-24.htm">2 Kings 2:24</a></b></br> And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.</p><p class="hdg">rather</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/27-3.htm">Proverbs 27:3</a></b></br> A stone <i>is</i> heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath <i>is</i> heavier than them both.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/2-16.htm">Matthew 2:16</a></b></br> Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/15-24.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-24.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-33.htm">Bereaved</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm">Better</a> <a href="/job/38-32.htm">Cubs</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-15.htm">Face</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-22.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-10.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-10.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-17.htm">Foolishly</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-22.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-2.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-10.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-16.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-16.htm">Robbed</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-7.htm">She-Bear</a> <a href="/job/28-8.htm">Whelps</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-7.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/19-2.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-14.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/songs/4-2.htm">Bereaved</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Better</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-38.htm">Cubs</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-24.htm">Face</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-13.htm">Folly</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-16.htm">Fool</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-16.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Foolishly</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-2.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-26.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-18.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-3.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-13.htm">Robbed</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-7.htm">She-Bear</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-38.htm">Whelps</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-12.htm">Young</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>It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs</b><br>This phrase uses vivid imagery to convey the danger and unpredictability of encountering a bear that has lost her cubs. In the ancient Near East, bears were known to inhabit regions such as the forests of Lebanon and the hills of Israel. The bear, particularly a mother bear, is a symbol of fierce protectiveness and aggression when her young are threatened. This imagery is used elsewhere in Scripture, such as in <a href="/2_kings/2-24.htm">2 Kings 2:24</a>, where bears attack those who mock the prophet Elisha. The comparison highlights the extreme danger and irrationality of a bear in such a state, setting the stage for the comparison to follow.<p><b>than a fool in his folly</b><br>The term "fool" in biblical literature often refers to someone who is morally deficient, lacking wisdom and understanding of God's ways. Proverbs frequently contrasts the wise and the foolish, emphasizing the consequences of living without regard for divine instruction. The folly of a fool is not merely ignorance but a willful rejection of wisdom and righteousness. This phrase suggests that the destructive potential of a fool's actions is even more dangerous than the wrath of a bereaved bear. The fool's folly can lead to chaos and harm, not only to themselves but to those around them. This concept is echoed in other parts of Proverbs, such as <a href="/proverbs/26-11.htm">Proverbs 26:11</a>, which compares a fool returning to his folly to a dog returning to its vomit, illustrating the repetitive and self-destructive nature of foolishness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/bear_robbed_of_her_cubs.htm">Bear Robbed of Her Cubs</a></b><br>This imagery is used to describe a situation of extreme danger and unpredictability. In the natural world, a mother bear separated from her cubs is known for her fierce and aggressive behavior, making her a symbol of imminent threat.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/f/fool.htm">Fool</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, a fool is someone who rejects wisdom and understanding, often characterized by reckless and destructive behavior. The Hebrew word for fool, (kesil), implies someone who is morally deficient and obstinate.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/folly.htm">Folly</a></b><br>This term refers to foolishness or lack of good sense. In Hebrew, (ivvelet) suggests a state of moral and spiritual blindness, leading to poor decisions and harmful actions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_foolishness.htm">The Danger of Foolishness</a></b><br>Just as encountering a bear robbed of her cubs is perilous, so is engaging with a fool in their folly. This highlights the need for discernment in our associations and interactions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_folly.htm">The Nature of Folly</a></b><br>Folly is not just a lack of intelligence but a moral and spiritual deficiency. It is crucial to seek wisdom and understanding to avoid the pitfalls of foolishness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_folly.htm">Guarding Against Folly</a></b><br>We must be vigilant in our own lives to avoid falling into folly. This involves regular self-examination, prayer, and seeking guidance from Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/choosing_companions_wisely.htm">Choosing Companions Wisely</a></b><br>The company we keep can influence our behavior and decisions. It is important to surround ourselves with those who pursue wisdom and righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_wisdom.htm">The Power of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is a protective force that can shield us from the dangers of folly. Pursuing wisdom through God's Word is essential for a life that honors Him.<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/how_to_excel_in_everything_we_do.htm">Where can wise counsel be found?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_24_10-12_conflict_with_other_bible_stories.htm">Proverbs 24:10-12: Does this claim about rescuing those in peril conflict with stories of inaction or injustice found elsewhere in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/repay_evil_with_evil.htm">Should we repay evil with evil? (Proverbs 24:29 vs. Romans 12:17)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_samaritanism's_belief.htm">What defines the pride of those who walk?</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>(12) <span class= "bld">A bear robbed of her whelps.--</span>Proverbially dangerous then (<a href="/2_samuel/17-8.htm" title="For, said Hushai, you know your father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and your father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.">2Samuel 17:8</a>; <a href="/hosea/13-8.htm" title="I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and will rend the lobe of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wild beast shall tear them.">Hosea 13:8</a>). (See also <a href="/1_kings/2-24.htm" title="Now therefore, as the LORD lives, which has established me, and set me on the throne of David my father, and who has made me an house, as he promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day.">1Kings 2:24</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">A fool </span>(<span class= "ital">khesil</span>)<span class= "ital">.</span>--Comp. <a href="/proverbs/1-32.htm" title="For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.">Proverbs 1:32</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man.</span> The Syrian bear was once common throughout Palestine; it is now found in but few localities, such as the hills of Hermon and Lebanon, and in the hills east of the Jordan, the destruction of wood and forest having deprived these animals of the shelter necessary to their existence. The ferocity of the bear when deprived of its young had become proverbial (see <a href="/2_samuel/17-8.htm">2 Samuel 17:8</a>; <a href="/hosea/13-8.htm">Hosea 13:8</a>; Hart, 'Animals of the Bible,' 28, etc.). <span class="cmt_word">Rather than a fool in his folly;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> in the paroxysm of his passion. Compare Saul's ungoverned language to Jonathan (<a href="/1_samuel/20-30.htm">1 Samuel 20:30</a>), and Herod's murder of the children (<a href="/matthew/2-16.htm">Matthew 2:16</a>). So we read of the people being filled with <span class="greek">ἄνοια</span> against Jesus (<a href="/luke/6-11.htm">Luke 6:11</a>). Oort supposes that this proverb arose from the riddle, "What is worse to meet than a bear?" Septuagint, "Care will fall upon a man of understanding; but fools imagine evils." The Greek translators take "bear" as us d metaphorically for terror and anxiety, but go far astray from the Hebrew text. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/17-12.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">[It is better]</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּאִ֑ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to meet</span><br /><span class="heb">פָּג֬וֹשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(pā·ḡō·wōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6298.htm">Strong's 6298: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in contact with, to concur</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a bear</span><br /><span class="heb">דֹּ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(dōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1677.htm">Strong's 1677: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">robbed of her cubs</span><br /><span class="heb">שַׁכּ֣וּל</span> <span class="translit">(šak·kūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7909.htm">Strong's 7909: </a> </span><span class="str2">Childless</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a fool</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּ֝סִ֗יל</span> <span class="translit">(kə·sîl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3684.htm">Strong's 3684: </a> </span><span class="str2">Stupid fellow, dullard, fool</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in his folly.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּאִוַּלְתּֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·’iw·wal·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_200.htm">Strong's 200: </a> </span><span class="str2">Silliness</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/17-12.htm">Proverbs 17:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/17-12.htm">Proverbs 17:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/17-12.htm">Proverbs 17:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/17-12.htm">Proverbs 17:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/17-12.htm">Proverbs 17:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/17-12.htm">Proverbs 17:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/17-12.htm">Proverbs 17:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/17-12.htm">Proverbs 17:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/17-12.htm">Proverbs 17:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/17-12.htm">Proverbs 17:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/17-12.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 17:12 Let a bear robbed of her cubs (Prov. 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