Proverbs 17:1-28 AMP

[1] Better is a dry morsel [of food served] with quietness and peace Than a house full of feasting [served] with strife and contention. [2] A wise servant will rule over the [unworthy] son who acts shamefully and brings disgrace [to the family] And [the worthy servant] will share in the inheritance among the brothers. [3] The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests hearts. [4] An evildoer listens closely to wicked lips; And a liar pays attention to a destructive and malicious tongue. [5] Whoever mocks the poor taunts his Maker, And he who rejoices at [another’s] disaster will not go unpunished. [6] Grandchildren are the crown of aged men, And the glory of children is their fathers [who live godly lives]. [7] Excellent speech does not benefit a fool [who is spiritually blind], Much less do lying lips benefit a prince. [8] A bribe is like a bright, precious stone in the eyes of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers. [9] He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, But he who repeats or gossips about a matter separates intimate friends. [10] A reprimand goes deeper into one who has understanding and a teachable spirit Than a hundred lashes into a fool. [11] A rebellious man seeks only evil; Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him. [12] Let a man meet a [ferocious] bear robbed of her cubs Rather than the [angry, narcissistic] fool in his folly. [13] Whoever returns evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house. [14] The beginning of strife is like letting out water [as from a small break in a dam; first it trickles and then it gushes]; Therefore abandon the quarrel before it breaks out and tempers explode. [15] He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous Are both repulsive to the LORD. [16] Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, When he has no common sense or even a heart for it? [17] A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. [18] A man lacking common sense gives a pledge And becomes guarantor [for the debt of another] in the presence of his neighbor. [19] He who loves transgression loves strife and is quarrelsome; He who [proudly] raises his gate seeks destruction [because of his arrogant pride]. [20] He who has a crooked mind finds no good, And he who is perverted in his language falls into evil. [21] He who becomes the parent of a fool [who is spiritually blind] does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool [who is spiritually blind] has no joy. [22] A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing, But a broken spirit dries up the bones. [23] A wicked man receives a bribe from the [hidden] pocket To pervert the ways of justice. [24] [Skillful and godly] wisdom is in the presence of a person of understanding [and he recognizes it], But the eyes of a [thickheaded] fool are on the ends of the earth. [25] A foolish son is a grief and anguish to his father And bitterness to her who gave birth to him. [26] It is also not good to fine the righteous, Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness. [27] He who has knowledge restrains and is careful with his words, And a man of understanding and wisdom has a cool spirit (self-control, an even temper). [28] Even a [callous, arrogant] fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips he is regarded as sensible (prudent, discreet) and a man of understanding.