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