Proverbs 17

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