Chapter 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 evildoer 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 is their parents.
7 Excellent 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 , since 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.