Proverbs 17

17 <1> It is better to have nothing but a dry piece of bread to eat in peace than a whole house full of food with everyone arguing.

<2> A smart servant will gain control over his master's foolish son. He will be treated like a son and get a share of the inheritance.

<3> Fire is used to make gold and silver pure, but a person's heart is made pure by the Lord.

<4> People who do evil listen to evil ideas. Liars listen to liars.

<5> Whoever makes fun of beggars insults their Maker. Whoever laughs at someone else's trouble will be punished.

<6> Grandchildren are the pride and joy of old age, and children take great pride in their parents.

<7> You wouldn't expect to hear a fine speech from a fool, and you shouldn't expect lies from a ruler.

<8> Some people think a bribe is like a lucky charm-it seems to work wherever they go.

<9> Forgive someone, and you will strengthen your friendship. Keep reminding them, and you will destroy it.

<10> Smart people learn more from a single correction than fools learn from a hundred beatings.

<11> Those who are evil only want to cause trouble. In the end, punishment without mercy will be sent to them.

<12> It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool who is busy doing foolish things.

<13> If you do wrong to those who were good to you, you will have trouble the rest of your life.

<14> The start of an argument is like a small leak in a dam. Stop it before a big fight breaks out.

<15> The Lord hates these two things: punishing the innocent and letting the guilty go free.

<16> Money is wasted on fools. They cannot buy wisdom when they have no sense.

<17> A friend loves you all the time, but a brother was born to help in times of trouble.

<18> Only a fool would promise to pay for someone else's debts.

<19> A troublemaker loves to start arguments. Anyone who likes to brag is asking for trouble.

<20> Crooks will not profit from their crimes, and those who plan to cause trouble will be trapped when it comes.

<21> A man who has a fool for a son will be disappointed. A fool brings no joy to his father.

<22> Happiness is good medicine, but sorrow is a disease.

<23> A wicked judge will accept a bribe, and that keeps justice from being done.

<24> Intelligent people think about what needs to be done here and now. Fools are always dreaming about faraway places.

<25> Foolish children upset their parents and make them sad.

<26> It is wrong to punish an innocent person or attack leaders for doing what is right.

<27> Intelligent people choose their words carefully. Those who know what they are doing remain calm.[43]

<28> Silent fools seem wise. They say nothing and appear to be smart.