# Proverbs 17 [[Prov-16|← Proverbs 16]] | [[Proverbs]] | [[Prov-18|Proverbs 18 →]] *** ###### v1 Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife. ###### v2 A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers. ###### v3 The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but Yahweh tests the hearts. ###### v4 An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue. ###### v5 Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished. ###### v6 Children's children are the crown of old men; the glory of children are their parents. ###### v7 Excellent speech isn't fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince. ###### v8 A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers. ###### v9 He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends. ###### v10 A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool. ###### v11 An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. ###### v12 Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. ###### v13 Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. ###### v14 The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out. ###### v15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh. ###### v16 Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, since he has no understanding? ###### v17 A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity. ###### v18 A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor. ###### v19 He who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high gate seeks destruction. ###### v20 One who has a perverse heart doesn't find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble. ###### v21 He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy. ###### v22 A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. ###### v23 A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice. ###### v24 Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth. ###### v25 A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him. ###### v26 Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity. ###### v27 He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding. ###### v28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning. *** [[Prov-16|← Proverbs 16]] | [[Proverbs]] | [[Prov-18|Proverbs 18 →]]