Proverbs 17

1Better is a morsel with pleasure in peace, than a house [full] of many good things and unjust sacrifices, with strife.

2A wise servant shall have rule over foolish masters, and shall divide portions among brethren.

3As silver and gold are tried in a furnace, so are choice hearts with the Lord.

4A bad man hearkens to the tongue of transgressors: but a righteous man attends not to false lips.

5He that laughs at the poor provokes him that made him; and he that rejoices at the destruction of another shall not be held guiltless: but he that has compassion shall find mercy.

6Children's children are the crown of old men; and their fathers are the glory of children. The faithful has the whole world full of wealth; but the faithless not even a farthing.

7Faithful lips will not suit a fool; nor lying lips a just man.

8Instruction is to them that use it a gracious reward: and whithersoever it may turn, it shall prosper.

9He that conceals injuries seeks love; but he that hates to hide [them] separates friends and kindred.

10A threat breaks down the heart of a wise man; but a fool, though scourged, understands not.

11Every bad man stirs up strifes: but the Lord will send out against him an unmerciful messenger.

12Care may befall a man of understanding; but fools will meditate evils.

13Whoso rewards evil for good, evil shall not be removed from his house.

14Rightful rule gives power to words; but sedition and strife precede poverty.

15He that pronounces the unjust just, and the just unjust, is unclean and abominable with God.

16Why has the fool wealth? for a senseless man will not be able to purchase wisdom. He that exalts his own house seeks ruin; and he that turns aside from instruction shall fall into mischiefs.

17Have thou a friend for every time, and let brethren be useful in distress; for on this account are they born.

18A foolish man applauds and rejoices over himself, [as he] also that becomes surety would make himself responsible for his own friends.

19A lover of sin rejoices in strifes;

20and the hard-hearted man comes not in for good. A man of a changeful tongue will fall into mischiefs;

21and the heart of a fool is grief to its possessor. A father rejoices not over an uninstructed son; but a wise son gladdens his mother.

22A glad heart promotes health; but the bones of a sorrowful man dry up.

23The ways of a man who unjustly receives gifts in [his] bosom do not prosper; and an ungodly man perverts the ways of righteousness.

24The countenance of a wise man is sensible; but the eyes of a fool [go] to the ends of the earth.

25A foolish son [is a cause of] anger to his father, and grief to her that bore him.

26[It is] not right to punish a righteous man, nor [is it] holy to plot against righteous princes.

27He that forbears to utter a hard word is discreet, and a patient man is wise.

28Wisdom shall be imputed to a fool who asks after wisdom: and he who holds his peace shall seem to be sensible.