Proverbs 17:7-21

7Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool; even less are lies fitting for a ruler.

8A bribe is like a lucky charm; whoever gives one will prosper!

9Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.

10A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.

11Evil people are eager for rebellion, but they will be severely punished.

12It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than to confront a fool caught in foolishness.

13If you repay good with evil, evil will never leave your house.

14Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.

15Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— both are detestable to the Lord.

16It is senseless to pay to educate a fool, since he has no heart for learning.

17A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

18It’s poor judgment to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for a friend.

19Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin; anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster.

20The crooked heart will not prosper; the lying tongue tumbles into trouble.

21It is painful to be the parent of a fool; there is no joy for the father of a rebel.