Proverbs 17:7-21

7Excessive speech is not becoming for a fool; how much less are lies for a ruler!

8A bribe works like a charm for the one who offers it; in whatever he does he succeeds.

9The one who forgives an offense seeks love, but whoever repeats a matter separates close friends.

10A rebuke makes a greater impression on a discerning person than a hundred blows on a fool.

11An evil person seeks only rebellion, and so a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

12It is better for a person to meet a mother bear being robbed of her cubs, than to encounter a fool in his folly.

13As for the one who repays evil for good, evil will not leave his house.

14Starting a quarrel is like letting out water; stop it before strife breaks out!

15The one who acquits the guilty and the one who condemns the innocent – both of them are an abomination to the Lord.

16Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no intention of acquiring wisdom?

17A friend loves at all times, and a relative is born to help in adversity.

18The one who lacks wisdom strikes hands in pledge, and puts up financial security for his neighbor.

19The one who loves a quarrel loves transgression; whoever builds his gate high seeks destruction.

20The one who has a perverse heart does not find good, and the one who is deceitful in speech falls into trouble.

21Whoever brings a fool into the world does so to his grief, and the father of a fool has no joy.