Proverbs 17
1Better is a dry morsel with quietness, 2 than a house full of feasting with strife. 1
2A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, 2 and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers. 1
3The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, 2 but Adonai tests the hearts. 1
4An evildoer heeds vain striving of iniquity lips. 2 A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue. 1
5Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. 2 He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished. 1
6Children’s children are the crown of old men; 2 the glory of children are their parents. 1
7Arrogant speech is not fitting for a fool, 2 much less do lying lips fit a prince. 1
8A bribe is a chen ·gracious· stone in the eyes of him who gives it; 2 wherever he turns, he prospers. 1
9He who covers a rebellious breach of relationship promotes love; 2 but he who repeats a matter separates best friends. 1
10A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding 2 than one hundred lashes into a fool. 1
11An evil man seeks only rebellion; 2 therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. 1
12Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, 2 rather than a fool in his folly. 1
13Whoever rewards evil for good, 2 evil shall not depart from his house. 1
14The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, 2 therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out. 1
15He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns as guilty the upright, 2 both of them alike are an abomination to Adonai. 1
16Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, 2 since he has no understanding? 1
17A friend 'ahav ·affectionately loves· at all times; 2 and a brother is born for adversity. 1
18A man void of understanding strikes hands, 2 and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor. 1
19He who 'ahav ·affectionately loves· rebellious breach of relationship 'ahav ·affectionately loves· strife. 2 One who builds a high gate seeks destruction. 1
20One who has a perverse heart does not find prosperity, 2 and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble. 1
21He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. 2 The father of a fool has no joy. 1
22A cheerful heart makes good medicine, 2 but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. 1
23A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, 2 to pervert the ways of mishpat ·justice·. 1
24Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, 2 but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth. 1
25A foolish son brings grief to his father, 2 and bitterness to her who bore him. 1
26Also to punish the upright is not good, 2 nor to flog officials for their integrity. 1
27He who spares his words has knowledge. 2 He who is even tempered is a man of understanding. 1
28Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. 2 When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.