Proverbs 17
1 Better is a dry morsel and quietness therewith, than an house full of feasting with strife.
Better to eat a dry scrap in peace than to feast in a house full of people arguing.
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.
A servant who acts wisely will be put in charge of a disgraced son, and will share the family inheritance with the brothers.
3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
A crucible tests silver, and a furnace tests gold, but the Lord tests the attitude of mind.
4 An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; [and] a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue.
Evil people listen to spiteful talk, and liars pay attention to malicious words.
5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: [and] he that is glad at calamity 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 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
Fine words don't suit stupid people, how much less are lies suited to a ruler.
8 A gift is [as] a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
Whoever gives a bribe thinks it's a magical stone—that wherever they turn they'll have success!
9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love: but he that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends.
If you forgive a wrong you encourage friendship, but if you keep talking about it you'll lose your friend.
10 A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding than an hundred stripes into a fool.
A reprimand hits a thinking person more than one hundred blows hit someone stupid.
11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
Evil people are only looking to rebel, so a cruel messenger will be sent to attack them.
12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
Better to meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs than a stupid person and their foolishness.
13 Whoso rewardeth 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 strife is [as] when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before there be quarrelling.
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 righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.
The Lord hates it when the wicked are acquitted and the innocent condemned.
16 Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, seeing he hath no understanding?
Is there any point in stupid people trying to buy wisdom when they don't want to learn?
17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
A true friend is always there to love you, and family provides help when troubles come.
18 A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his neighbour.
It's not a wise idea to make a pledge and guarantee a neighbor's debt.
19 He loveth transgression that loveth strife: he that raiseth high his gate seeketh destruction.
People who love sin like to argue; those who build high gates invite destruction.
20 He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.
People with warped minds don't succeed; those who tell lies get into trouble.
21 He that begetteth a fool [doeth it] to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.
A stupid son brings grief to his father; the father of a child who does stupid things has no joy.
22 A merry heart is a good medicine: but a broken spirit drieth up the bones.
A cheerful attitude is like good medicine, but discouragement makes you sick.
23 A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom, to pervert the ways of judgment.
The wicked take hidden bribes to pervert the course 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.
Sensible people focus on wisdom, but the eyes of stupid people are always wandering.
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
A stupid son brings grief to his father and sadness to his mother who gave birth to him.
26 Also to punish the righteous is not good, [nor] to smite the noble for [their] uprightness.
It's not right to impose a fine on someone who's innocent or to flog good leaders for their honesty.
27 He that spareth his words hath knowledge: and he that is of a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
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, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: when he shutteth his lips, he is [esteemed as] prudent.
Even stupid people who keep quiet are considered wise; if they don't say anything they appear intelligent.
