Proverbs 17:1-16a

¹Better is a morsel with pleasure in peace, Than a house full of many good things and unjust sacrifices, with strife.

²A wise servant shall have rule over foolish masters, And shall divide portions among brethren.

³As silver and gold are tried in a furnace, So are choice hearts with the Lord.

⁴A bad man hearkens to the tongue of transgressors: But a righteous man attends not to false lips.

⁵He 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.

⁶Children’s children are the crown of old men; And their fathers are the glory of children.

^6aThe faithful has the whole world full of wealth; But the faithless not even a farthing.

⁷Faithful lips will not suit a fool; Nor lying lips a just man.

⁸Instruction is to them that use it a gracious reward: And whithersoever it may turn, it shall prosper.

⁹He that conceals injuries seeks love; But he that hates to hide them separates friends and kindred.

¹⁰A threat breaks down the heart of a wise man; But a fool, though scourged, understands not.

¹¹Every bad man stirs up strifes: But the Lord will send out against him an unmerciful messenger.

¹²Care may befall a man of understanding; But fools will meditate evils.

¹³Whoso rewards evil for good, Evil shall not be removed from his house.

¹⁴Rightful rule gives power to words; But sedition and strife precede poverty.

¹⁵He that pronounces the unjust just, and the just unjust, Is unclean and abominable with God.

¹⁶Why has the fool wealth? For a senseless man will not be able to purchase wisdom.

^16aHe that exalts his own house seeks ruin; And he that turns aside from instruction shall fall into mischiefs.