Chapter 17
1
Better is a morsel with pleasure in peace, than a house full of many good things and unjust sacrifices, with strife.
2
A wise servant shall have rule over foolish masters, and shall divide portions among brethren.
3
As silver and gold are tried in a furnace, so are choice hearts with the Lord.
4
A bad man hearkens to the tongue of transgressors: but a righteous man attends not to false lips.
5
He 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.
6
Children's children are the crown of old men; and their fathers are the glory of children.
7
Faithful lips will not suit a fool; nor lying lips a just man.
The faithful has the whole world full of wealth; but the faithless not even a farthing.
8
Instruction is to them that use it a gracious reward: and whithersoever it may turn, it shall prosper.
9
He that conceals injuries seeks love; but he that hates to hide them separates friends and kindred.
10
A threat breaks down the heart of a wise man; but a fool, though scourged, understands not.
11
Every bad man stirs up strifes: but the Lord will send out against him an unmerciful messenger.
12
Care may befall a man of understanding; but fools will meditate evils.
13
Whoso rewards evil for good, evil shall not be removed from his house.
14
Rightful rule gives power to words; but sedition and strife precede poverty.
15
He that pronounces the unjust just, and the just unjust, is unclean and abominable with God.
16
Why has the fool wealth? for a senseless man will not be able to purchase wisdom.
17
Have thou a friend for every time, and let brethren be useful in distress; for on this account are they born.
18
A foolish man applauds and rejoices over himself, as he also that becomes surety would make himself responsible for his own friends.
He that exalts his own house seeks ruin; and he that turns aside from instruction shall fall into mischiefs.
19
A lover of sin rejoices in strifes;
20
and the hard-hearted man comes not in for good. A man of a changeful tongue will fall into mischiefs;
21
and the heart of a fool is grief to its possessor. A father rejoices not over an uninstructed son; but a wise son gladdens his mother.
22
A glad heart promotes health; but the bones of a sorrowful man dry up.
23
The ways of a man who unjustly receives gifts in his bosom do not prosper; and an ungodly man perverts the ways of righteousness.
24
The countenance of a wise man is sensible; but the eyes of a fool go to the ends of the earth.
25
A foolish son is a cause of anger to his father, and grief to her that bore him.
26
It is not right to punish a righteous man, nor is it holy to plot against righteous princes.
27
He that forbears to utter a hard word is discreet, and a patient man is wise.
28
Wisdom shall be imputed to a fool who asks after wisdom: and he who holds his peace shall seem to be sensible.
