Proverbs 17:7-21

712Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, Much less are 3lying lips to a prince.8A 4bribe is a 5charm in the sight of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers.9He who 6conceals a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter 7separates intimate friends.10A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred blows into a fool.11A rebellious man seeks only evil, So a cruel messenger will be sent against him.12Let a 8man meet a 9bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly.13He who 10returns evil for good, 11Evil will not depart from his house.14The beginning of strife is like letting out water, So 12abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.15He who 13justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.16Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to 14buy wisdom, When 15he has no sense?17A 16friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.18A man lacking in 17sense 1819pledges And becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor.19He who 20loves transgression loves strife; He who 21raises his door seeks destruction.20He who has a crooked 22mind 23finds no good, And he who is 24perverted in his language falls into evil.21He who 25sires a fool does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy.