Proverbs 17:5-18

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. The 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 wherever 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. He that exalts his own house seeks ruin; and he that turns aside from instruction shall fall into mischief.

¹⁷Have you a friend for every time, and let brethren be useful in distress; for on this account are they born.

¹⁸A foolish man applauds and rejoices over himself, as he also that becomes surety would make himself responsible for his own friends.