Proverbs 17:1-28 ERV

[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. [28] Silent fools seem wise. They say nothing and appear to be smart.