Proverbs 17:7-21

7Excellent speech does not benefit a fool [who is spiritually blind], Much less do lying lips benefit a prince.

8A bribe is like a bright, precious stone in the eyes of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers.

9He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, But he who repeats or gossips about a matter separates intimate friends.

10A reprimand goes deeper into one who has understanding and a teachable spirit Than a hundred lashes into a fool.

11A rebellious man seeks only evil; Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

12Let a man meet a [ferocious] bear robbed of her cubs Rather than the [angry, narcissistic] fool in his folly.

13Whoever returns evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house.

14The beginning of strife is like letting out water [as from a small break in a dam; first it trickles and then it gushes]; Therefore abandon the quarrel before it breaks out and tempers explode.

15He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous Are both repulsive to the Lord.

16Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, When he has no common sense or even a heart for it?

17A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.

18A man lacking common sense gives a pledge And becomes guarantor [for the debt of another] in the presence of his neighbor.

19He who loves transgression loves strife and is quarrelsome; He who [proudly] raises his gate seeks destruction [because of his arrogant pride].

20He who has a crooked mind finds no good, And he who is perverted in his language falls into evil.

21He who becomes the parent of a fool [who is spiritually blind] does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool [who is spiritually blind] has no joy.