Proverbs 17:1 says, Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.  It is better to live a quiet, peaceful life with only the basics than to have a house full of everything without any peace.  Only through following God's will for our lives can we find this peace, no matter what our situation.  Verse two states, A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.  Those who serve wisely, though but a servant, will gain more of an inheritance than a son who causes shame to his family.  As followers of Christ, we must be obedient children of God.  Verse three states, The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.  Silver and gold are refined by fire and are earthly treasures, but the heart of every person is judged by God.  God does not judge our earthly wealth, but judges our attitude toward Him.  Verse four says, A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.  Those who would do evil, which would really mean anything not done for God and His glory, will listen to any lies that the world may put forth.  Verse five declares, Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.  Once again, this is a statement about how God feels about those who look down on or mistreat the poor.  We can have an attitude that the poor are that way because of their own doing, but this is not the attitude that God expects us to have.  Verse six states, Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.  Grandchildren are a blessing to those who have them, even if they don't always acknowledge it.  Parents should likewise be a glory to children.  Verse seven proclaims, Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.  A foolish person speaking with excellence does not sound right, but even worse is a ruler who lies.  Verse eight states, A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.  Matthew Henry says this refers to someone who will do anything for money, even accept a bribe.  Verse nine says, He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.  I believe that this means that we are not to speak about the sins of others, but are to simply pray for them.  Still, some people can't seem to wait to broadcast the sins of others, even if it separates friends.  This is not to say that we should overlook the sins of others, but that we should not want to tell everyone about them if we are aware of them.  Verse ten declares, A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.  Once more, as wise person is one who follows God, and a fool is one who does not.  A person who follows God will listen to His reproof always, but a person with does not cannot have obedience beaten into him or her.  Verse eleven states, An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.  Those who will not turn away from evil with a simple appeal for them to, those who continually rebel against God, will one stand before God's wrath at their refusal to accept His graceful gift of salvation.  Verse twelve declares, Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.  It is better to meet an angry momma bear than to meet a fool in his folly.  Again,, a fool is someone who denies God, and therefore anything they do will be done in folly, or without God's leadership.  Verse thirteen says, Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. This is a warning about treating people who treat us well badly.  If we do, we are not following God's commandments, and we can expect to always have evil in our house.  Verse fourteen states, The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.  Words spoken in haste when angry are like water out of a dam that has burst.  They can cause great damage, so it is better to speak in a way that will glorify God, no matter how we may be feeling.  Verse fifteen proclaims, He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.  Matthew Henry says this refers to corrupt officials who can have their decisions bought.  I believe it goes even further, meaning when we justify the actions of anyone who is not following God or condemn someone who is, then we are an abomination to God.