Proverbs 17:15-21

The Message

¹⁵ Whitewashing bad people and throwing mud on good people
    are equally abhorrent to God.

¹⁶ What’s this? Fools out shopping for wisdom!
    They wouldn’t recognize it if they saw it!

¹⁸ It’s stupid to try to get something for nothing,
    or run up huge bills you can never pay.

¹⁹ The person who courts sin marries trouble;
    build a wall, invite a burglar.

²⁰ A bad motive can’t achieve a good end;
    double-talk brings you double trouble.

²¹ Having a fool for a child is misery;
    it’s no fun being the parent of a dolt.