Proverbs 17:2
A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
Original Language Analysis
מַשְׂכִּ֗יל
A wise
H7919
מַשְׂכִּ֗יל
A wise
Strong's:
H7919
Word #:
2 of 9
to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
בְּבֵ֣ן
over a son
H1121
בְּבֵ֣ן
over a son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מֵבִ֑ישׁ
that causeth shame
H954
מֵבִ֑ישׁ
that causeth shame
Strong's:
H954
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
אַ֝חִ֗ים
the brethren
H251
אַ֝חִ֗ים
the brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
7 of 9
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
Cross References
Proverbs 10:5He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.Ecclesiastes 4:13Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.Proverbs 19:26He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach.Proverbs 14:35The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.
Historical Context
Primogeniture normally guaranteed inheritance to the firstborn son. This proverb's reversal would have been shocking, emphasizing that covenant faithfulness could overturn natural expectations—a theme seen in Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this proverb challenge assumptions about status, privilege, and inheritance?
- In what ways do you see the principle of 'faithful servants over unfaithful heirs' in God's kingdom?
- What does this teach about the basis of our standing before God?
Analysis & Commentary
A 'wise servant' can rule over a 'disgraceful son' and share inheritance among brothers. This proverb overturns worldly hierarchies: wisdom and character matter more than birth or status. The Hebrew 'bosh' (disgraceful/shameful) emphasizes the son's unworthiness. In God's economy, faithful servants are elevated above unfaithful heirs. This anticipates the gospel: Gentiles grafted in while unfaithful Israel broken off (Romans 11:17-24). Reformed theology emphasizes that election is by grace, not natural descent or human merit. Faithfulness, not pedigree, determines inheritance.