Proverbs

17 Better is a piece of dry bread where there is peace*+

Than a house full of feasting* along with quarreling.+

 2 A servant with insight will rule over a son who acts shamefully;

He will share in the inheritance as one of the brothers.

 3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,+

But Jehovah is the examiner of hearts.+

 4 A wicked man pays attention to hurtful speech,

And a deceptive man listens to a malicious tongue.+

 5 Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker,+

And whoever rejoices over another’s disaster will not go unpunished.+

 6 Grandsons* are a crown to the aged,

And fathers* are the glory of their sons.*

 8 A gift is like a precious stone* to its owner;+

Everywhere he turns, it brings him success.+

 9 Whoever forgives* a transgression seeks love,+

But the one who keeps harping on a matter separates close friends.+

10 A rebuke makes a deeper impression on one having understanding+

Than striking a stupid person a hundred times.+

11 A bad man seeks only rebellion,

But a cruel messenger will be sent to punish him.+

12 Better to meet a bear bereaved of her cubs

Than to encounter someone stupid in his foolishness.+

13 If anyone repays bad for good,

Bad will not depart from his house.+

14 Beginning a fight is like opening a floodgate;*

Before the quarrel breaks out, take your leave.+

15 Anyone who acquits the wicked one and anyone who condemns the righteous one+

—Both of them are detestable to Jehovah.

16 What good is it that the stupid one has the means to acquire wisdom

When he has no heart for acquiring it?*+

17 A true friend shows love at all times+

And is a brother who is born for times of distress.+

18 A man lacking good sense* shakes hands and agrees

To put up security* in the presence of his neighbor.+

20 The one who is crooked at heart will not find success,*+

And the one who speaks deceitfully will fall into ruin.

21 The one who fathers a stupid child will experience grief;

And the father of a senseless child has no joy.+

22 A joyful heart is good medicine,*+

But a crushed spirit saps one’s strength.*+

23 A wicked man will take a bribe in secret*

To pervert the course of justice.+

24 Wisdom is directly in front of the discerning person,

But the eyes of the stupid wander to the ends of the earth.+

25 A stupid son brings grief to his father

And heartache* to the one who gave birth to him.+

26 To punish* the righteous one is not good,

And to flog honorable people goes against what is right.

27 A man of knowledge restrains his words,+

And a discerning man will remain calm.*+

28 Even a fool who keeps silent will be considered wise,

And the one who seals his lips, discerning.