Proverbs 17:1-28 ASV

[1] Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, Than a house full of feasting with strife. [2] A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, And shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren. [3] The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; But Jehovah trieth the hearts. [4] An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; Anda liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue. [5] Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker; And he that is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished. [6] Children's children are the crown of old men; And the glory of children are their fathers. [7] Excellent speech becometh not a fool; Much less do lying lips a prince. [8] A bribe is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it; Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. [9] He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; But he that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends. [10] A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding Than a hundred stripes into a fool. [11] An evil man seeketh only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. [12] Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly. [13] Whoso rewardeth evil for good, Evil shall not depart from his house. [14] The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling. [15] He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah. [16] Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, Seeing he hath no understanding? [17] A friend loveth at all times; And a brother is born for adversity. [18] A man void of understanding striketh hands, And becometh surety in the presence of his neighbor. [19] He loveth transgression that loveth strife: He that raiseth high his gate seeketh destruction. [20] He that hath a wayward heart findeth no good; And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief. [21] He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow; And the father of a fool hath no joy. [22] A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones. [23] A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice. [24] Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding; But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth. [25] A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her that bare him. [26] Also to punish the righteous is not good, Nor to smite the noble for their uprightness. [27] He that spareth his words hath knowledge; And he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding. [28] Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; When he shutteth his lips, he is esteemed as prudent.