Proverbs 17:2 kjv

A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.

Proverbs 17:2 nkjv

A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, And will share an inheritance among the brothers.

Proverbs 17:2 niv

A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son and will share the inheritance as one of the family.

Proverbs 17:2 esv

A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.

Proverbs 17:2 nlt

A wise servant will rule over the master's disgraceful son
and will share the inheritance of the master's children.

Proverbs 17 verses

Proverbs 17 2 Meaning

Proverbs 17:2 conveys that character and conduct outweigh birthright and privilege. A wise and prudent servant, though not a son by birth, will achieve a position of authority and shared inheritance, even surpassing a natural son who acts disgracefully and brings shame upon the family. It highlights the value of wisdom and integrity over lineage alone.

Proverbs 17 2 Context

Proverbs chapter 17 continues the broader theme of wisdom literature, contrasting righteous and foolish living. It focuses on the inner character, societal relationships, and the consequences of moral choices rather than specific laws or historical events. This particular proverb challenges conventional societal structures of inheritance and status, where primogeniture (the right of the firstborn to inherit) and birthright were highly valued and generally followed. In ancient Near Eastern patriarchal societies, a son's primary role was to continue the family name and inherit its wealth and legacy. For a servant to effectively supersede a biological son in position and inheritance would be an extraordinary and rare occurrence, illustrating the severe consequence of a "shameful son's" actions and the immense merit of a "wise servant." The verse highlights that true value is found in character, wisdom, and faithful conduct, aligning with the divine principle that the last may become first, and the humble exalted.

Proverbs 17 2 Word analysis

• A servant (עֶבֶד, ʿeved): This term refers to someone who is bound in service, ranging from a common worker or slave to a high official or minister. Here, it denotes someone not typically an heir by blood, highlighting their humble status compared to a natural son.
• who deals wisely (מַשְׂכִּיל, maskil): A participle derived from the root śākal (שָׂכַל), meaning to be prudent, to have insight, to be successful, to understand, or to prosper through wisdom. It signifies more than just cleverness; it implies practical and moral wisdom leading to discerning action and positive results.
• will rule over (יִמְשֹׁול, yimshol): From the root māshal (מָשַׁל), meaning to rule, to govern, to have dominion or authority. This emphasizes a significant reversal of roles, where the servant gains genuine power and influence within the household or sphere of influence.
• a son (בֵּן, ben): Refers to a natural, biological male offspring, normally the undisputed heir in a patriarchal society.
• who causes shame (מֵבִישׁ, mevish): A participle from the root bôsh (בּוֹשׁ), meaning to be ashamed, confounded, disgraced. This son's actions bring dishonor and disrepute upon his family and household, signifying moral failure, foolishness, or rebellious conduct that squanders his privilege.
• and will share the inheritance (וּבְתוֹךְ אַחִים יַחֲלֹק נַחֲלָה, u'vetoch achim yachaloq nachalah):
  • share (יַחֲלֹק, yachaloq): From the root ḥālaq (חָלַק), to divide, allot, distribute a portion.
  • inheritance (נַחֲלָה, naḥalah): A portion, heritage, property received as a legal heir. This denotes a full assumption of familial rights traditionally reserved for blood relatives.
  • as one of the brothers (בְתוֹךְ אַחִים, betoch achim): Literally "among brothers." This highlights the servant's effective adoption into the family, or at least his treatment as if he were a legal son with rightful claims to the family’s estate, due to his sterling character.
• Word Group Analysis:
  • "A servant who deals wisely": This phrase emphasizes the transformative power of wisdom, especially when applied diligently and righteously. It underscores that status is not fixed by birth but can be transcended by character and behavior.
  • "rule over a son who causes shame": This directly contrasts the rise of the wise with the fall of the foolish. It's a stark illustration of how destructive a son's misconduct can be, leading to his effective displacement, and how valuable a wise individual's contributions are.
  • "share the inheritance as one of the brothers": This signifies the highest possible elevation for an outsider in that society – integration into the family's core legal and economic structure. It suggests that fidelity and wisdom can create a new lineage of legacy where blood fails.

Proverbs 17 2 Bonus section

This proverb's message highlights that inherent privilege without accompanying responsibility and good character is ultimately meaningless. It points to a meritocratic ideal where diligence and moral wisdom lead to true worth and authority, even bypassing traditional norms. It also implicitly critiques the idea of "divine right" solely based on birth, emphasizing that even in leadership roles, integrity and competence are paramount. The elevation of a servant challenges societal stratification, underscoring that God often uses the unexpected and the humble to accomplish His purposes and reveal His wisdom, a theme frequently echoed throughout the Scriptures, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ who took the form of a servant yet became heir of all things.

Proverbs 17 2 Commentary

Proverbs 17:2 encapsulates a profound principle that divine and true earthly order prioritizes character over inherited status. In an age valuing lineage above all, this proverb offers a radical re-evaluation: a humble servant displaying integrity and wisdom is more deserving of leadership and legacy than a natural son whose behavior brings disgrace. The "son who causes shame" likely exhibits folly, moral depravity, or rebellion, thereby squandering his inherent privileges and demonstrating an inability to manage his responsibilities. Conversely, the "servant who deals wisely" exemplifies discernment, prudence, and faithful diligence, qualities essential for effective leadership and the perpetuation of family honor and assets. This wisdom is not mere intelligence, but righteous living and practical insight guided by a fear of the Lord. The proverb thus functions as both practical wisdom and a theological truth: God frequently overturns human expectations, elevating the humble and debasing the proud, recognizing and rewarding virtue regardless of birth. It foretells a kingdom where those who serve faithfully inherit greatness, resonating with spiritual truths of adoption into God's family and co-heirship with Christ for those once outside the covenant.

• Example: A CEO's loyal, astute executive assistant being chosen to lead a company branch over the CEO's own wayward, irresponsible child.
• Example: A highly ethical and diligent individual from modest beginnings being entrusted with significant public office, while privileged but corrupt candidates are shunned.