Proverbs 17
1 Better is a morsel with pleasure in peace, than a house [full] of many good things and unjust sacrifices, with strife.
Better is a morsel with pleasure in peace, than a house [full] of many good things and unjust sacrifices, with strife.
2 A wise servant shall have rule over foolish masters, and shall divide portions amongst brethren.
A wise servant shall have rule over foolish masters, and shall divide portions amongst brethren.
3 As silver and gold are tried in a furnace, so are choice hearts with the Lord.
As silver and gold are tried in a furnace, so are choice hearts with the Lord.
4 A bad man hearkens to the tongue of transgressors: but a righteous man attends not to false lips.
A bad man hearkens to the tongue of transgressors: but a righteous man attends not to false lips.
5 He that laughs at the poor provokes him that made him; and he that rejoices at the destruction of another shall not be held guiltless: but he that has compassion shall find mercy.
He that laughs at the poor provokes him that made him; and he that rejoices at the destruction of another shall not be held guiltless: but he that has compassion shall find mercy.
6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and their fathers are the glory of children. The faithful has the whole world full of wealth; but the faithless not even a farthing.
Children's children are the crown of old men; and their fathers are the glory of children. The faithful has the whole world full of wealth; but the faithless not even a farthing.
7 Faithful lips will not suit a fool; nor lying lips a just man.
Faithful lips will not suit a fool; nor lying lips a just man.
8 Instruction is to them that use it a gracious reward; and wherever it may turn, it shall prosper.
Instruction is to them that use it a gracious reward; and wherever it may turn, it shall prosper.
9 He that conceals injuries seeks love; but he that hates to hide [them] separates friends and kindred.
He that conceals injuries seeks love; but he that hates to hide [them] separates friends and kindred.
10 A threat breaks down the heart of a wise man; but a fool, though scourged, understands not.
A threat breaks down the heart of a wise man; but a fool, though scourged, understands not.
11 Every bad man stirs up strifes: but the Lord will send out against him an unmerciful messenger.
Every bad man stirs up strifes: but the Lord will send out against him an unmerciful messenger.
12 Care may befall a man of understanding; but fools will meditate evils.
Care may befall a man of understanding; but fools will meditate evils.
13 Whoso rewards evil for good, evil shall not be removed from his house.
Whoso rewards evil for good, evil shall not be removed from his house.
14 Rightful rule gives power to words; but sedition and strife precede poverty.
Rightful rule gives power to words; but sedition and strife precede poverty.
15 He that pronounces the unjust just, and the just unjust, is unclean and abominable with God.
He that pronounces the unjust just, and the just unjust, is unclean and abominable with God.
16 Why has the fool wealth? for a senseless man will not be able to purchase wisdom. He that exalts his own house seeks ruin; and he that turns aside from instruction shall fall into mischief.
Why has the fool wealth? for a senseless man will not be able to purchase wisdom. He that exalts his own house seeks ruin; and he that turns aside from instruction shall fall into mischief.
17 Have you a friend for every time, and let brethren be useful in distress; for on this account are they born.
Have you a friend for every time, and let brethren be useful in distress; for on this account are they born.
18 A foolish man applauds and rejoices over himself, [as he] also that becomes surety would make himself responsible for his own friends.
A foolish man applauds and rejoices over himself, [as he] also that becomes surety would make himself responsible for his own friends.
19 A lover of sin rejoices in strifes;
A lover of sin rejoices in strifes;
20 and the hard-hearted man comes not in for good. A man of a changeful tongue will fall into mischiefs;
and the hard-hearted man comes not in for good. A man of a changeful tongue will fall into mischiefs;
21 and the heart of a fool is grief to its possessor. A father rejoices not over an uninstructed son; but a wise son gladdens his mother.
and the heart of a fool is grief to its possessor. A father rejoices not over an uninstructed son; but a wise son gladdens his mother.
22 A glad heart promotes health; but the bones of a sorrowful man dry up.
A glad heart promotes health; but the bones of a sorrowful man dry up.
23 The ways of a man who unjustly receives gifts in [his] bosom do not prosper; and an ungodly man perverts the ways of righteousness.
The ways of a man who unjustly receives gifts in [his] bosom do not prosper; and an ungodly man perverts the ways of righteousness.
24 The countenance of a wise man is sensible; but the eyes of a fool [go] to the ends of the earth.
The countenance of a wise man is sensible; but the eyes of a fool [go] to the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son [is a cause of] anger to his father, and grief to her that bore him.
A foolish son [is a cause of] anger to his father, and grief to her that bore him.
26 [It is] not right to punish a righteous man, nor [is it] holy to plot against righteous princes.
[It is] not right to punish a righteous man, nor [is it] holy to plot against righteous princes.
27 He that forbears to utter a hard word is discreet, and a patient man is wise.
He that forbears to utter a hard word is discreet, and a patient man is wise.
28 Wisdom shall be imputed to a fool who asks after wisdom: and he who holds his peace shall seem to be sensible.
Wisdom shall be imputed to a fool who asks after wisdom: and he who holds his peace shall seem to be sensible.
