Proverbs 17:17-28

New International Version

¹⁷ A friend loves at all times,
    and a brother is born for a time of adversity.^(A)

¹⁸ One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge
    and puts up security for a neighbor.^(B)

¹⁹ Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin;
    whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.

²⁰ One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper;
    one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.

²¹ To have a fool for a child brings grief;
    there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool.^(C)

²² A cheerful heart is good medicine,
    but a crushed^(D) spirit dries up the bones.^(E)

²³ The wicked accept bribes^(F) in secret
    to pervert the course of justice.^(G)

²⁴ A discerning person keeps wisdom in view,
    but a fool’s eyes^(H) wander to the ends of the earth.

²⁵ A foolish son brings grief to his father
    and bitterness to the mother who bore him.^(I)

²⁶ If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good,^(J)
    surely to flog honest officials is not right.

²⁷ The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,^(K)
    and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.^(L)

²⁸ Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,
    and discerning if they hold their tongues.^(M)