Proverbs 17

²A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame,

³The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold,

⁴An evildoer heeds wicked lips.

⁵Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker.

⁶Children’s children are the crown of old men;

⁷Excellent speech isn’t fitting for a fool,

⁸A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it;

⁹He who covers an offense promotes love;

¹⁰A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding

¹¹An evil man seeks only rebellion;

¹²Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man,

¹³Whoever rewards evil for good,

¹⁴The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam,

¹⁵He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous,

¹⁶Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom,

¹⁷A friend loves at all times;

¹⁸A man void of understanding strikes hands,

¹⁹He who loves disobedience loves strife.

²⁰One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity,

²¹He who becomes the father of a fool grieves.

²²A cheerful heart makes good medicine,

²³A wicked man receives a bribe in secret,

²⁴Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding,

²⁵A foolish son brings grief to his father,

²⁶Also to punish the righteous is not good,

²⁷He who spares his words has knowledge.

²⁸Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise.