PROVERBS 17:4-15

⁴An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; and a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue.

⁵Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.

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

⁷Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

⁸A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

⁹He that covereth a transgression seeketh love: but he that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends.

¹⁰A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding than an hundred stripes into a fool.

¹¹An evil man seeketh only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

¹²Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

¹³Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

¹⁴The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before there be quarrelling.

¹⁵He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.