Proverbs 17:7-21

7Refined speech is not fitting for a godless fool. How much less does lying fit a noble person!

8A bribe seems ⌞like⌟ a jewel to the one who gives it. Wherever he turns, he prospers.

9Whoever forgives an offense seeks love, but whoever keeps bringing up the issue separates the closest of friends.

10A reprimand impresses a person who has understanding more than a hundred lashes impress a fool.

11A rebel looks for nothing but evil. Therefore, a cruel messenger will be sent ⌞to punish⌟ him.

12Better to meet a bear robbed of its cubs than a fool ⌞carried away⌟ with his stupidity.

13Whoever pays back evil for good— evil will never leave his home.

14Starting a quarrel is ⌞like⌟ opening a floodgate, so stop before the argument gets out of control.

15Whoever approves of wicked people and whoever condemns righteous people is disgusting to the Lord.

16Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he doesn’t have a mind to grasp anything?

17A friend always loves, and a brother is born to share trouble.

18A person without good sense closes a deal with a handshake. He guarantees a loan in the presence of his friend.

19Whoever loves sin loves a quarrel. Whoever builds his city gate high invites destruction.

20A twisted mind never finds happiness, and one with a devious tongue ⌞repeatedly⌟ gets into trouble.

21The parent of a fool has grief, and the father of a godless fool has no joy.