SPIRITUAL GEMS: Week of June 9-15, 2025, PROVERBS 17, Answers.

SPIRITUAL GEMS: June 9-15, 2025, PROVERBS 17, Answers.

Let's look for hidden gems (10 mins.)

Pr 17:24. What does it mean that “the eyes of a foolish person range to the ends of the earth”? (it-2 545 par. 4)

The expression suggests that the foolish person lives distracted, his mind wandering aimlessly. Although he may be surrounded by wisdom or good opportunities, his thoughts are focused on irrelevant or superficial things.

“Their eyes range to the ends of the earth,” meaning they focus on everything except what truly matters. This demonstrates their lack of direction and their inability to concentrate on what is prudent or spiritually beneficial.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The expressions of the eyes clearly demonstrate people's feelings. They can reflect compassion or a lack of it; they can also wink or blink to express contempt or connivance. Someone who doesn't want to see or do something for others is said to close or hide their eyes. Therefore, let our eyes see what is good and pleasing from our God, Jehovah.

It is said that a fool has his eyes "at the ends of the earth," wandering here and there, aimless, with his thoughts anywhere but where they should be. Even a person's health, vigor, or happiness are manifested in the appearance of his eyes. When Jehoshaphat prayed to Jehovah, he said, "Our eyes are toward you." Therefore, let us copy Jehoshaphat's attitude and way of seeing things.

Proverbs 17:24 shows us how a foolish person lives aimlessly, with scattered thoughts and no clear purpose, as if their eyes were looking in every direction, not knowing where to go. This reflects a life without wisdom or direction, while wise people have their eyes focused on what truly matters, following a clear purpose.

The eyes of a fool, in this case, symbolize the mind and heart of the person. Someone who lacks wisdom doesn't know where to focus their attention or what is most important in life. They are distracted by everything, without making wise decisions or having a clear focus. In contrast, a wise person knows where to look and what to do; their thoughts are aligned with what truly has value, as would someone whose eyes are fixed on something precious and fixed.

This verse also speaks to us of the importance of having a clear purpose. If we don't know where we're going, like the eyes of a fool who wander everywhere, our lives become filled with confusion and wrong decisions. By placing our spiritual "eyes" on Jehovah, as Jehoshaphat did in his prayer, we find direction and clarity. Thus, our decisions and actions have a clear purpose and firm guidance.

The expression "the eyes of a fool range to the ends of the earth" means that a foolish or senseless person lacks focus and direction in life. Their thoughts and attention are scattered and not focused on what is important.

This expression suggests that the foolish person lacks a clear vision of what is wise and beneficial, and instead, their attention is diverted to unimportant things or distractions. This contrasts with the wise person, who has wisdom right in front of them and can focus on what truly matters.

The Bible teaches us that wisdom is essential for living a life pleasing to God. Proverbs 17:24 highlights the importance of discernment and keeping our eyes fixed on what is wise and beneficial. As Christians, we should strive to imitate Jesus and follow biblical principles, thus achieving true wisdom and living in harmony with Jehovah's will.

This expression indicates that a foolish or senseless person lacks a clear purpose in life. Their thoughts and desires are scattered, focused on distant, unreal, or worthless things, rather than concentrating on what truly matters, such as Jehovah's wisdom. Their mind wanders aimlessly.

Unlike the wise, who focus their attention on what is right and beneficial, the foolish person is always distracted, dreaming without defined objectives and without making wise decisions.

This verse reminds us of the importance of focusing our thoughts and energies on things that honor Jehovah and promote a balanced and productive life. As Jehoshaphat said, “Our eyes are toward you,” which highlights the need to keep our attention on God and His will.

This proverb points out that the eyes of a foolish person wander aimlessly, reflecting their lack of focus and direction in life. This can lead them far away from God, for instead of focusing their attention on what is truly valuable—such as Jehovah's wisdom—their attention is scattered, seeking satisfaction everywhere in things that are temporary, unproductive, and even disapproved by Jehovah.

This could be interpreted as wandering thoughts that keep a person from making prudent decisions, leaving them vulnerable to the influences of this world, which sooner or later can lead them astray. Furthermore, this lack of discernment will also prevent them from taking advantage of opportunities for spiritual growth, as their mind is occupied with vain pursuits and without a defined purpose.

This expression emphasizes the difference between the foolish and the wise. While the former loses focus on the essential and wastes his time in empty thoughts, the wise direct his gaze toward Jehovah and seeks his guidance, as Jehoshaphat did in prayer.

This teaches us that spiritual and emotional health is also reflected in the eyes, as mentioned in the Scriptures, demonstrating that true well-being comes from maintaining a perspective centered on Jehovah and his righteousness.

This means that the foolish person is distracted; their eyes are everywhere, wandering from here to there. They are not focused or have a defined goal, and their thoughts are everywhere except where they should be.

What spiritual pearls have you found in this week's Bible reading?

Proverbs 17:1. Peace is a sign of wisdom. This proverb teaches us that whoever values ​​peace is being wise: they don't seek to impose themselves or win arguments, but rather to remain calm, even if it means giving in. True wealth lies in knowing how to live with others in harmony, not in what one possesses.

Proverbs 17:6. When grandparents value their grandchildren and children honor their parents, an atmosphere of respect and affection is created. This reflects Jehovah's spirit, who desires families to be sources of support and joy. A united spiritual family honors God.

Proverbs 17:7. This verse shows that it is inappropriate for a fool to speak with pretensions of wisdom or justice. His words are inconsistent with his actions, because true justice requires discernment, humility, and respect for what is right—qualities that a fool lacks. Therefore, when he attempts to speak like a wise person, his words sound out of place or even hypocritical.

Proverbs 17:7. The verse says, "Much less should false words be spoken with a ruler!", emphasizing that a leader should exemplify integrity. When a ruler lies, it not only damages his reputation but also harms those who trust in his guidance. Therefore, lies are especially despicable in someone with authority and responsibility.

Proverbs 17:12. Just as a bear enraged by the loss of her cubs is extremely violent and unpredictable, the proverb compares this danger to that of confronting a fool who acts impulsively. A fool in a fit of folly has no moral restraint or prudence; he can cause emotional, physical, or spiritual harm without considering the consequences.

Proverbs 17:14. This proverb compares starting a fight to opening a floodgate. At first it seems like a small thing, but it soon spirals out of control. Once anger or provocation sets in, the consequences can be devastating, like a flood. Therefore, wisdom lies in not starting the fight in the first place. Jehovah encourages us to be peacemakers, not impulsive.

Proverbs 17:15. To please Jehovah, we must love justice as He does. Being fair in our words, decisions, and how we treat others reflects that we share His standards, and that is what truly pleases Him.

Proverbs 17:20. This proverb encourages us to cultivate a clean heart and speak with sincerity. When our intentions and words are clean, we please Jehovah and avoid many unnecessary complications.

Proverbs 17:20. A “crooked heart” refers to a pattern of inner thought or desire. While one can deceive others, one cannot deceive Jehovah. Therefore, we must strive to cultivate a clean heart, asking Jehovah to help us have good motives in everything we do.

Proverbs 17:28. Sometimes it's not necessary to demonstrate wisdom with words. Simply remaining silent at the right moment can make others perceive us as prudent. Even a foolish person can appear wise by avoiding thoughtless speech.

Proverbs 17:3. We want to be clean in the eyes of the One who examines hearts, Jehovah God. So let us be careful what we put into it and avoid unnecessary and useless exposure to violence, sexual exploitation, or foul language, which can only dull our sense of what is good and corrupt our hearts. Let us be like the psalmist who said in prayer: “Make my eyes pass on, lest they see what is useless.”

Proverbs 17:6. We honor our father and mother when we express our gratitude for all they have done for us and show our appreciation for them by heeding their advice. The Bible says that "the beauty of children is their parents," meaning that children should be proud of them. Therefore, we should be grateful to them for all they have done for us.

Proverbs 17:9. Gossip is talking about other people's events or affairs. It can be an unfounded rumor, even a lie, and the person spreading it, even if they are unaware of the rumor's falsity, is responsible for spreading a lie. The gossip may talk about someone's faults or mistakes, but even if what they say is true, they are doing what they shouldn't and demonstrating a lack of love.

Proverbs 17:10. Pride, stubbornness, obstinacy, and independence are enemies of understanding. A person with true understanding doesn't think they know everything. As Proverbs 19:25 says, "Rebuke should be directed toward a person of understanding, so that he may discern knowledge." Precisely because he is understanding, he is willing to listen, discerns the basis of rebuke, and derives more benefit from it than a fool from receiving a hundred blows.

Proverbs 17:14. Frank Donovan, in his book Dealing with Anger: Self-Help Solutions for Men, recommends: “Avoiding anger—or, more specifically, avoiding the scene and other people when angry—is a strategy of great importance and value when anger levels are high.” Therefore, it pays to think before you speak. Thoughtless words can be hurtful and can end friendships.

Proverbs 17:18. Perhaps motivated by sentimentality, this person makes an agreement that could result in a serious financial setback. Although their intentions are good and laudable, their motives still manifest a lack of good judgment. Therefore, before making a decision, it's best to consider the short-term consequences of such an action.

Proverbs 17:19. This proverb teaches that those who make their entrance high are inviting calamity, by bragging about being more prudent than they really are. It can also be an allusion to the mouth, likened to an entrance that is made high by boastful and arrogant speech. That kind of speech provokes strife, and in time can lead the proud person to calamity. How wise it is, therefore, to avoid arrogance!

Proverbs 17:22. A happy heart has positive effects. A BBC News article quotes Dr. Derek Cox, a Scottish Ministry of Health official, as saying: "People who are happy are less likely to get sick than those who are unhappy." According to the same article, "happier people enjoy greater protection against heart disease and stroke."

Proverbs 17:23. The expressions "a bribe from the bosom" and "a bribe in the bosom" can be better understood if we consider that, in Hebrew, the word "bosom" can also refer to the fold formed by a garment above the belt. Therefore, these expressions seem to indicate that the bribe was hidden in the upper fold of the garment and then secretly given to another person, who in turn concealed it in the same way.

Proverbs 17:27. Discernment and brotherly love will help us see the need to restrain ourselves when we feel the impulse to utter hurtful words. If we explode in anger, love and humility will lead us to ask for forgiveness and remedy the situation. Now, suppose someone has offended us. In that case, let us speak to them privately, with gentleness and humility, with the primary goal of promoting peace. If we put this into practice, we will be at peace with ourselves and with our neighbors.

Proverbs 17:1. This verse teaches us that it is more valuable to live in peace, even if we lack luxuries, than to surround ourselves with riches in an environment of strife and discord. In life, we sometimes seek many material things, but the most important thing is to have peace and harmony in the home. When there is peace, everything is much more enjoyable, even the simplest things.

Proverbs 17:3. Here, the process of purifying metals is compared to how Jehovah tests our hearts. Just as gold and silver must pass through fire to be purified, our trials in life help us grow and improve. If we face difficulties with faith and patience, Jehovah helps us purify ourselves spiritually.

Proverbs 17:9. This verse reminds us how important it is to be discreet and protect the privacy of others. If someone makes a mistake, it's best to help them and not spread their fault. Covering up others' weaknesses fosters stronger, more trusting relationships. Conversely, speaking ill of others can damage our friendships and create divisions.

Proverbs 17:14. This verse teaches us that sometimes it's best to avoid arguments before they escalate into something bigger. Just as water, once released, is hard to stop, fights can get worse if we don't stop them in time. If we see that a conversation might turn into a conflict, it's best to try to calm it down and avoid it before it escalates.

Proverbs 17:15. This verse reminds us that God values ​​justice. We should not take sides just because we like someone or have a personal interest, but rather we should act justly. God hates both those who justify evil and those who condemn the innocent. It is a reminder that, as Christians, we must always be fair and do what is right without favoritism.

Proverbs 17:22. Here we are told that joy is like medicine for the body. When we are happy and grateful, our health and well-being improve. But if we are sad or bitter, it affects us more than we think. It is good to remember that even when we go through difficult times, we can find joy in the blessings Jehovah gives us, such as family, friendship, and his love.

Proverbs 17:27. This verse encourages us to think before we speak. Sometimes it's better not to say everything we think, especially if our words could hurt others or cause problems. Being wise is not only having knowledge, but also knowing when it's the right time to speak and when it's better to remain silent.

Proverbs 17:1. This text teaches us that peace and harmony in the home are more valuable than material abundance. A loving and peaceful environment can bring more happiness than any wealth or possessions. This reminds us that true happiness and satisfaction come from relationships and harmony, not just from material possessions.

Proverbs 17:3. The text teaches us the importance of protecting our hearts and minds from negative influences, such as violence and foul language, to remain clean in God's eyes. It encourages us to be careful about what we allow into our minds and hearts, and to seek purity and goodness in our daily lives so that we may please our Creator.

Proverbs 17:4. This shows us that people with bad intentions attract each other and feed on evil and lies. It teaches us the importance of being careful about the company and influences we allow into our lives.

Proverbs 17:3. This verse teaches us that, just as fire purifies metals, Jehovah examines and tests people's hearts, knowing their deepest thoughts and motivations. It shows us that God has complete and perfect knowledge of each person's heart.

Proverbs 17:5. This verse teaches us the importance of treating others with compassion and respect, especially those in need. It reminds us that God cares about justice and compassion toward others, and that our actions toward them reflect our relationship with Him.

Proverbs 17:9. Forgiving and not constantly bringing up past mistakes helps strengthen our relationships. Constantly reminding others of faults can cause divisions, even among close friends. Promoting love includes knowing how to let go of what has already been forgiven.

Proverbs 17:14. This verse shows us that starting a conflict is like unleashing an uncontrollable problem, but avoiding it demonstrates wisdom. It encourages us to seek peace in the congregation and in our relationships, handling differences calmly and humbly to honor Jehovah.

Proverbs 17:17. This verse reminds us that true friendship is constant and strengthens in difficult times. It motivates us to be loyal and supportive of our fellow believers, supporting them in the congregation and in the ministry, to reflect Jehovah's unconditional love.

Proverbs 17:1. This verse emphasizes that peace in the home is more valuable than material abundance. It reminds us that cultivating a peaceful and loving atmosphere in the family is more important than having many possessions if they cause conflict.

Proverbs 17:22. This proverb highlights the value of maintaining a positive attitude. Genuine joy not only improves our emotional well-being but also our physical and spiritual health. Conversely, constant discouragement can weaken us. Seeking joy in Jehovah strengthens our hearts.

Proverbs 17:10. This verse highlights the difference in how people react to correction. A person of understanding values ​​discipline and can change their behavior with a simple word of advice. In contrast, a fool is so stubborn that even severe punishment won't make them reflect. This pearl encourages us to cultivate understanding and humility to be receptive to correction and benefit from it.

Proverbs 17:5. The verse teaches us that mocking those who suffer reflects a cruel and disrespectful attitude, not only toward the person, but also toward Jehovah, the Creator of all. This text encourages us to show compassion and respect, especially toward the most vulnerable.

Proverbs 17:28. The verse reminds us that self-control in speech is a sign of wisdom. This verse highlights that even someone without much knowledge can appear wise if they know when to remain silent. It is a reminder of the power of speaking little and with prudence.

Proverbs 17:27. This verse once again underscores the relationship between self-control in speech and wisdom. A person who thinks before speaking and who is calm in spirit demonstrates true knowledge and discernment. This pearl encourages us to be prudent with our words and to cultivate a serene spirit, which is a sign of maturity and deep understanding.

Proverbs 17:12. This verse highlights the real danger of associating with foolish and out-of-control people. A mother bear deprived of her cubs is fierce and unpredictable, but she is still less dangerous than a fool in the midst of his foolishness. Jehovah warns us of the emotional, spiritual, and even physical damage a reckless person can cause.

Proverbs 17:13. This verse teaches us that responding with evil to kindness brings negative consequences. It motivates us to always act with gratitude and kindness, even in the face of challenges, to reflect Jehovah's love and maintain blessings in our lives and in our relationships within the congregation.

Proverbs 17:19. This verse warns us that seeking conflict and being arrogant leads to sin and destruction. It urges us to cultivate humility and avoid unnecessary disputes, promoting peace in the congregation and in the ministry to please Jehovah.

Proverbs 17:16. This verse teaches us that it's not enough to have access to wisdom; we also need the right attitude to seek and value it. Jehovah makes abundant knowledge available to us through his Word and the congregation, but if we don't appreciate it or have a sincere desire to apply it, it's useless.

Proverbs 17:3. It teaches us that Jehovah examines the heart, meaning that He sees not only our outward actions but also our intentions and motivations. He knows our feelings and judges us fairly. Knowing this helps us to be honest in all the actions of our daily lives, even when no one is watching. It also teaches us that we should strive to have thoughts and desires that reflect not only love but also sincerity.

Proverbs 17:3. This verse is very helpful in preaching, as we sometimes encounter people with different levels of interest. Applying this proverb reminds me that Jehovah sees the heart and can touch the conscience of those who seem indifferent. Therefore, I should not be quick to judge, but trust that Jehovah will attract those with a sincere heart.

Proverbs 17:9. It teaches me that Jehovah promotes love and unity through forgiveness, and that He is the greatest example of mercy, forgiving our mistakes when we sincerely repent. Knowing this encourages me to imitate Him by forgiving the faults of others and not repeatedly bringing them up in my memory, which helps me avoid resentment.

Proverbs 17:9. Applying this proverb in ministry is very helpful when we encounter people who have made serious mistakes, as we can share with them the comfort of knowing that Jehovah is understanding and merciful. It also helps us encourage them to trust in his love and seek his forgiveness through prayer and sincere repentance.

Proverbs 17:17. It teaches me that Jehovah is the best friend we can have, since his loyalty to his servants is unwavering, and he never abandons us in difficult times. Applying this verse helps me strive to be loyal and supportive, and to be there when others need me.

Proverbs 17:17. Applying this proverb in my ministry is very helpful, as it encourages me to be a source of support for those who study the Bible and seek Jehovah. It teaches me that my actions can motivate them to trust us as true friends, which is very important because it will help them feel Jehovah's love more closely.

Proverbs 17:22. It teaches me that Jehovah wants his people to be happy, because he knows that a joyful heart strengthens emotional and spiritual health. Knowing this motivates me to cultivate joy as a tool to cope with the difficulties of daily life, through prayer and personal study.

Proverbs 17:17. Applying this principle in my ministry teaches me that preaching with joy makes our message much more appealing. By doing so, we reflect the happiness that comes from knowing Jehovah and his purpose for humanity, which makes people more willing to listen to us.

Proverbs 17:5. It teaches me that Jehovah is a just God who protects the humble and disadvantaged, disapproves of being looked down upon, and considers it an insult to Him when someone mocks the poor. Knowing this encourages me to treat everyone with dignity, especially those with fewer resources or who are experiencing financial hardship. Avoiding arrogance and contempt is a way of honoring Jehovah.

Proverbs 17:5. It is very helpful in my ministry because it encourages me to show compassion, love, and respect toward people, regardless of their economic or social status, thus reflecting Jehovah's just and compassionate attitude.

Proverbs 17:10. It teaches me that Jehovah gives correction with love, but not with a merely emotional love, but with a love based on principles, because he knows that discipline will help us improve spiritually and avoid the path of folly.

Proverbs 17:10. Applying this proverb in my daily life helps me to be more humble, to accept correction with goodwill, and to grow spiritually. It teaches me that, instead of resisting counsel, I should reflect and seek how to apply it in my life, so as to improve and please Jehovah.

Proverbs 17:10. It's helpful in my ministry, especially when I receive suggestions on how to improve my teaching or my dealings with people. It teaches me to accept that advice with humility, remembering that Jehovah wants me to be more effective in my service.

Proverbs 17:12. It teaches me that Jehovah warns us about the dangers of foolishness by comparing a fool to a raging bear. This demonstrates how destructive foolishness can be. Applying this proverb in my daily life will help me avoid acting impulsively and seek Jehovah's wisdom to protect me from negative consequences. It will also help me make wise decisions, stay calm, and act with discernment.

Proverbs 17:12. Applying it in my ministry teaches me patience and to avoid reacting harshly to those who oppose the Kingdom message. Applying this principle will help me remain calm, even in difficult situations, reflecting the wisdom Jehovah desires for us.

Proverbs 17:15. It teaches me that Jehovah is not only just, but also detests injustice. He does not accept that the wicked be acquitted nor that the righteous be condemned. I can apply this in my daily life by striving to be impartial and fair in my dealings with others, and by avoiding favoritism and prejudice.

Proverbs 17:1. This text makes us think about how important peace is in our lives. Jehovah God values ​​harmony; it is important that we learn to be people of peace. Sometimes, a thoughtless word or a misunderstanding can severely harm others.

Proverbs 17:3. It teaches us that trials are not a divine punishment, but we can choose to see them as opportunities for growth, like a fire that refines us. This makes us think about a trial we are going through today and ask ourselves what we need to refine or learn.

Proverbs 17:5. This text teaches us that it is not right to make fun of others, for example, of someone who is experiencing needs or limitations, or to make comments in which we subtly boast about having a vehicle, clothing, trips, or other material possessions. This belittling is something Jehovah observes. Instead, we can think of ways to help someone in need.

Proverbs 17:9. This text makes us reflect on the importance of true forgiveness. Forgiveness is not weakness; it is wisdom, because it frees us from bitterness, resentment, and the desire for revenge. Even if we are in the congregation, it is good to think of someone we find difficult to forgive.

Proverbs 17:22. It teaches us that joy isn't something we happen to by chance. Sometimes it can be difficult to be joyful about something we haven't received, and this causes us to ignore all the good things we have. The organization encourages us to cultivate joy with gratitude, praise, and good company, and to think about what makes us smile today.

Proverbs 17:24. It teaches us that it's important to be observant, not to talk too much, but to observe people and situations. These are daily lessons before us. It's very easy to get distracted by cell phones while walking; some people are even driving and looking at them, which can be fatal.

Proverbs 17:17. This text teaches us that true love is demonstrated in adversity. We can choose to be true friends who remain in difficult times. We can consider who in our congregation or family needs a visit of encouragement or practical help.

Proverbs 17:27. It reminds us of something important we already know, but sometimes overlook: we must think before we speak. Impulsive words cause harm; we could lose dreams and future experiences because of words spoken without thinking.

Proverbs 17:23. It teaches us that we should not be complicit in injustice and that integrity matters more than quick profit. It's important to make ethical decisions in our work, studies, and even in the congregation.

Proverbs 17:14. This text teaches us that it's good to avoid unnecessary arguments. We don't have to go around proving ourselves right and others wrong; it's better to choose peace over pride.