Proverbs 17
1 Better is a dry morsel with joy, than a house full of victims with strife.
Better to eat a dry scrap in peace than to feast in a house full of people arguing.
2 A wise servant shall rule over foolish sons, and shall divide the inheritance among the brethren.
A servant who acts wisely will be put in charge of a disgraced son, and will share the family inheritance with the brothers.
3 As silver is tried by fire, and gold in the furnace: so the Lord trieth the hearts.
A crucible tests silver, and a furnace tests gold, but the Lord tests the attitude of mind.
4 The evil man obeyeth an unjust tongue: and the deceitful hearkeneth to lying lips.
Evil people listen to spiteful talk, and liars pay attention to malicious words.
5 He that despiseth the poor, reproacheth his Maker; and he that rejoiceth at another man’s ruin, shall not be unpunished.
Anyone who oppresses the poor insults their Maker, and anyone who enjoys the suffering of others will be punished.
6 Children’s children are the crown of old men: and the glory of children are their fathers.
Old people are proud of their grandchildren, and children are proud of their parents.
7 Eloquent words do not become a fool, nor lying lips a prince.
Fine words don't suit stupid people, how much less are lies suited to a ruler.
8 The expectation of him that expecteth, is a most acceptable jewel: whithersoever he turneth himself, he understandeth wisely.
Whoever gives a bribe thinks it's a magical stone—that wherever they turn they'll have success!
9 He that concealeth a transgression. seeketh friendships: he that repeateth it again, separateth friends.
If you forgive a wrong you encourage friendship, but if you keep talking about it you'll lose your friend.
10 A reproof availeth more with a wise man, than a hundred stripes with a fool.
A reprimand hits a thinking person more than one hundred blows hit someone stupid.
11 An evil man always seeketh quarrels: but a cruel angel shall be sent against him.
Evil people are only looking to rebel, so a cruel messenger will be sent to attack them.
12 It is better to meet a bear robbed of her whelps, than a fool trusting in his own folly.
Better to meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs than a stupid person and their foolishness.
13 He that rendereth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
If you repay evil for good, evil will never leave your house.
14 The beginning of quarrels is as when one letteth out water: before he suffereth reproach he forsaketh judgment.
The beginning of a quarrel is like the first leak in a water dam, so drop it before a major argument bursts out.
15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, both are abominable before God.
The Lord hates it when the wicked are acquitted and the innocent condemned.
16 What doth it avail a fool to have riches, seeing he cannot buy wisdom? He that maketh his house high, seeketh a downfall: and he that refuseth to learn, shall fall into evils.
Is there any point in stupid people trying to buy wisdom when they don't want to learn?
17 He that is a friend loveth at all times: and a brother is proved in distress.
A true friend is always there to love you, and family provides help when troubles come.
18 A foolish man will clap hands, when he is surety for his friend.
It's not a wise idea to make a pledge and guarantee a neighbor's debt.
19 He that studieth discords, loveth quarrels: and he that exalteth his door, seeketh ruin.
People who love sin like to argue; those who build high gates invite destruction.
20 He that is of a perverse heart, shall not find good: and he that perverteth his tongue, shall fall into evil.
People with warped minds don't succeed; those who tell lies get into trouble.
21 A fool is born to his own disgrace: and even his father shall not rejoice in a fool.
A stupid son brings grief to his father; the father of a child who does stupid things has no joy.
22 A joyful mind maketh age flourishing: a sorrowful spirit drieth up the bones.
A cheerful attitude is like good medicine, but discouragement makes you sick.
23 The wicked man taketh gifts out of the bosom, that he may pervert the paths of judgment.
The wicked take hidden bribes to pervert the course of justice.
24 Wisdom shineth in the face of the wise: the eyes of fools are in the ends of the earth.
Sensible people focus on wisdom, but the eyes of stupid people are always wandering.
25 A foolish son is the anger of the father: and the sorrow of the mother that bore him.
A stupid son brings grief to his father and sadness to his mother who gave birth to him.
26 It is no good thing to do hurt to the just: nor to strike the prince, who judgeth right.
It's not right to impose a fine on someone who's innocent or to flog good leaders for their honesty.
27 He that setteth bounds to his words. is knowing and wise: and the man of understanding is of a precious spirit.
If you're wise, you'll be careful what you say; and if you're sensible, you'll keep your temper.
28 Even a fool, if he will hold his peace shall be counted wise: and if he close his lips, a man of understanding.
Even stupid people who keep quiet are considered wise; if they don't say anything they appear intelligent.
