Proverbs 17:9-23

⁹He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; But he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

¹⁰A reproof entereth more into a wise man 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 it be meddled with.

¹⁵He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, Even they both are abomination to the Lord.

¹⁶Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool To get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?

¹⁷A friend loveth at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.

¹⁸A man void of understanding striketh hands, And becometh surety in the presence of his friend.

¹⁹He loveth transgression that loveth strife: And he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.

²⁰He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

²¹He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: And the father of a fool hath no joy.

²²A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: But a broken spirit drieth the bones.

²³A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom To pervert the ways of judgment.