Proverbs 17

¹ Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife. ² A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers. ³ The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but Yahweh tests the hearts. ⁴ An evil-doer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue. ⁵ Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished. ⁶ Children's children are the crown of old men; the glory of children are their parents. ⁷ Arrogant speech isn't fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince. ⁸ A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers. ⁹ He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends. ¹⁰ A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool. ¹¹ An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. ¹² Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. ¹³ Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. ¹⁴ The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out. ¹⁵ He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh. ¹⁶ Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, seeing he has no understanding? ¹⁷ A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity. ¹⁸ A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor. ¹⁹ He who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high gate seeks destruction. ²⁰ One who has a perverse heart doesn't find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble. ²¹ He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy. ²² A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. ²³ A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice. ²⁴ Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth. ²⁵ A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him. ²⁶ Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity. ²⁷ He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding. ²⁸ Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.