Proverbs 17:7-21

7Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.12

8A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.3

9He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.4

10A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.5

11An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

12Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

13Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

14The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

15He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.

16Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?

17A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

18A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.6

19He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.

20He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.7

21He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.