Proverbs 17:7-21

7Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool, Much less lying lips to a prince.

8A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; Wherever he turns, he prospers.

9He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends.

10Rebuke is more effective for a wise man Than a hundred blows on a fool.

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

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

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

14The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.

15He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.

16Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom, Since he has no heart for it?

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

18A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, And becomes surety for his friend.

19He who loves transgression loves strife, And he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.

20He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, And he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil.

21He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy.