Proverbs 17:1-28 NASB95

[1] Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of feasting with strife. [2] A servant who acts wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully, And will share in the inheritance among brothers. [3] The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests hearts. [4] An evildoer listens to wicked lips; A liar pays attention to a destructive tongue. [5] He who mocks the poor taunts his Maker; He who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished. [6] Grandchildren are the crown of old men, And the glory of sons is their fathers. [7] Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, Much less are lying lips to a prince. [8] A bribe is a charm in the sight of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers. [9] He who conceals a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends. [10] A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred blows into a fool. [11] A rebellious man seeks only evil, So a cruel messenger will be sent against him. [12] Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly. [13] He who returns evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house. [14] The beginning of strife is like letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out. [15] He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD. [16] Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, When he has no sense? [17] A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. [18] A man lacking in sense pledges And becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor. [19] He who loves transgression loves strife; He who raises his door seeks destruction. [20] He who has a crooked mind finds no good, And he who is perverted in his language falls into evil. [21] He who sires a fool does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy. [22] A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones. [23] A wicked man receives a bribe from the bosom To pervert the ways of justice. [24] Wisdom is in the presence of the one who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. [25] A foolish son is a grief to his father And bitterness to her who bore him. [26] It is also not good to fine the righteous, Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness. [27] He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. [28] Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.