The Daily RootedHome StoriesGradesChurchesWhat's NewAbout
Bible:
Answer key (separate)‹ Back to chapter 17

Prints on letter paper in black and white. No answers are printed on the student sheet.

Proverbs 17 · Grade 5

Love in Hard Times

Name Date

Read and Think

Chapter 17 values peace above plenty: Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife. Just as fire tests metal, God examines the heart: The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but Yahweh tests the hearts. Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker.

Much of the chapter is about conflict. He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends. Covering an offense does not mean hiding sin; it means choosing not to keep bringing it up. The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out. Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

Friendship is tested in hard times: A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity. A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding. In the New Testament, Jesus says, Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).

Show What You Know

  1. What does mocking the poor do?

  2. What does covering an offense mean here?

  3. What happens to whoever rewards evil for good?

  4. Who is a man of understanding?

  5. In the New Testament, what does Jesus say is the greatest love?

Word Bank Fill-In

Use the word bank to fill in each blank.

goodquietnessheartcheerfulfriend
  1. Chapter 17 values peace above plenty: Better is a dry morsel with , than a house full of feasting with strife.
  2. Just as fire tests metal, God examines the : The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but Yahweh tests the hearts.
  3. Whoever rewards evil for , evil shall not depart from his house.
  4. Friendship is tested in hard times: A loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity.
  5. A heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Think About It

  1. Covering an offense means choosing not to keep bringing it up. Is there something you need to stop bringing up?

  2. A brother is born for adversity. How can you stand by a friend or family member who is going through a hard time?

Memory Verse

“A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity.”

Proverbs 17:17 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for good friends. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • How can you bring cheer to someone who is sad?
  • How can you be a faithful friend this week?
  • What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.