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