Proverbs 17:23

A wicked man takes a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment. 

When half of the economy is controlled by power brokers in Washington D.C., there is no hope for honest government. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. So it should be no surprise that the top donors to George W. Bush’s presidential campaign of 2004 were the same as the top donors to the Barrack Obama presidential campaign of 2008. They were, of course, Wall Street financial institutions. The reason why these organizations provided so much money to these campaigns became clear in the latter half of 2008, when George W. Bush turned over $800 billion in taxpayer monies to rescue these same banks and financial institutions during the Great Recession! The institutional fraud that constitutes modern government is staggering. Sadly, it has become a way of life for this country, and it is hard to find one in a hundred people who care about it enough to support somebody who does not use his political position in this way.

But know that every single campaign donation that results in government funding of welfare, special interests, or budget items favoring one state over another, will only serve to pervert justice and undermine the integrity of a nation. If a particular vote places a military installation in one state instead of some other state, the congressman representing the state receiving the economic benefit should exempt himself from the debate and the vote. Not one dime given to his campaign should have anything to do with the projects funded in the state budgets, whether they be education, welfare, road construction, or military-related projects.

When at least 60% of a nation’s economy is controlled by elected governments made up of sinful men, the legislatures devolve into a confused scheme of redistributing wealth—and everybody feels the need to grab their “fair share.” The few productive people left are subjected to ever increasing levels of taxation to fund this fraudulent free-for-all. This is how the largest nations the world has ever seen will come to their end. Violating the principles of God’s Word always leads to judgment.

Proverbs 17:24

Wisdom is before him that has understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth. 

Wisdom is easily accessible to the person who is already blessed with an understanding spirit. Speaking of the basic Gospel, Paul speaks of the word accessible to you “even in your mouth and in your heart.” But this can only be said for that person whose heart has already been awakened by the Spirit of God (1 Cor. 2:9–14). Meanwhile, the eyes of the fool search high and low for wisdom. He reads 100,000 books, changes his religion a hundred times in his life, and secures five doctorate degrees. But it is all for nothing, for in him is not to be found the spirit of understanding.

Proverbs 17:25

A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bore him. 

What is impressed here upon the foolish son is the curse he has become to his own father and mother. How heart-wrenching it is to see a good mother’s life turned to unrelenting, teeth-grinding bitterness! This is the woman who went through unspeakable pain as she birthed her son, not to mention the many years of nursing, physical attention, and care. She gave of her own life, emotions, and energy to raise this child. But now the young man has become a source of grief and a curse to his parents. Of all the wretched effects of sin in the world, this sad circumstance may be the most horrible and miserable.

For related commentary, reference Proverbs 17:21.

Proverbs 17:26

Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity. 

The wise man is particularly passionate about the matters of justice in the civil sphere, evidenced by the string of sage lessons contained in verses 13, 15, and 23. The practice of “striking” hands involves a secret agreement, usually based upon a bribe. Any compromise on justice or equitable treatment under the law only serves to break apart civil governments, whether the system of government is monarchy or democracy. Interestingly, the Bible has little to say about the form of government. Either democracies or monarchies can be corrupted either by failing to prosecute crimes according to the just requirements of God’s law, or by bribery and campaign donations that result in the unjust confiscation of property and redistribution of wealth.

Proverbs 17:27

He that has knowledge spares his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. 

Here we are given a picture of a very rare person indeed. This is a man who carefully measures every word he speaks. But more than this, he is not easily discouraged. His indomitable resilience in spirit is encouraging to those whom he leads in his family or church. He does not over-react to criticism, but he will humbly receive wise counsel and reasonable correction. He never gives way to angry rants or vindictive actions. It is this spirit to which others are drawn, and this is fundamental to leadership. While some, like Reuben, are as “unstable as water,” this man may be counted on for his excellence of spirit in the midst of confusion, war, death, and persecutions. He is always hopeful, always courageous, and always faithful to his friends.

Proverbs 17:28

Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise, and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

In a less charitable frame of mind, somebody once quipped, “It is better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” Of course, this verse deals with the perceptions of others. It explains why some fools are still respected, and that goes for a good many atheists and idolatrous materialists. Many do not wear their godlessness and foolishness on their sleeves. Thus, by keeping all that foolishness clapped up tightly inside, they retain a measure of respect and success in business and civil government.

Family Discussion Questions:

1. What happens when a nation relies on bribes and forcible redistribution of wealth?

2. How difficult is it to attain wisdom?

3. What is a man of an excellent spirit? How is this important for leadership?