Proverbs 17:2

17:2 A servant who acts wisely will rule

over an heir who behaves shamefully,

and will share the inheritance along with the relatives.

Proverbs 17:18

17:18 The one who lacks wisdom strikes hands in pledge,

and puts up financial security for his neighbor.


sn The setting is in the ancient world where a servant rarely advanced beyond his or her station in life. But there are notable exceptions (e.g., Gen 15:3 where the possibility is mentioned, 1 Chr 2:35 where it changed through marriage, and 2 Sam 16:1-4; 19:24-30, with the story of Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth). This proverb focuses on a servant who is wise, one who uses all his abilities effectively – a Joseph figure.

sn The parallelism indicates that “ruling over” and “sharing in the inheritance” means that the disgraceful son will be disinherited.

tn Heb “son.”

tn The form מֵבִישׁ (mevish) is a Hiphil participle, modifying בֵן (ben). This original heir would then be one who caused shame or disgrace to the family, probably by showing a complete lack of wisdom in the choices he made.

tn Heb “in the midst of the brothers”; NIV “as one of the brothers.”

tn Heb “heart”; KJV, ASV “a man void of understanding”; NIV “a man lacking in judgment.”

tn The phrase “in pledge” is supplied for the sake of clarification.

tn The line uses the participle עֹרֵב (’orev) with its cognate accusative עֲרֻבָּה (’arubah), “who pledges a pledge.”

sn It is foolish to pledge security for someone’s loans (e.g., Prov 6:1-5).