Chapter 17

  Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife.  

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  A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, And shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers.  

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  The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, But Yahweh tests the hearts.  

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  An evil-doer gives heed to wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.  

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  Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.  

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  Children's children are the crown of old men; The glory of children are their parents.  

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  Arrogant speech isn't fitting for a fool, Much less do lying lips fit a prince.  

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  A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; Wherever he turns, he prospers.  

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  He who covers an offense promotes love; But he who repeats a matter separates chief friends.  

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  A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred lashes into a fool.  

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  An evil man seeks only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.  

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  Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly.  

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  Whoever rewards evil for good, Evil shall not depart from his house.  

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  The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, Therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.  

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  He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.  

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  Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, Seeing he has no understanding?  

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  A friend loves at all times; And a brother is born for adversity.  

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  A man void of understanding strikes hands, And becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor.  

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  He who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.  

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  One who has a perverse heart doesn't find prosperity, And one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.  

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  He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy.  

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  A cheerful heart makes good medicine, But a crushed spirit dries up the bones.  

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  A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, To pervert the ways of justice.  

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  Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.  

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  A foolish son brings grief to his father, And bitterness to her who bore him.  

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  Also to punish the righteous is not good, Nor to flog officials for their integrity.  

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  He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.  

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  Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.  

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