Proverbs 13:17-25

The Message

¹⁷ Irresponsible talk makes a real mess of things,
    but a reliable reporter is a healing presence.

¹⁸ Refuse discipline and end up homeless;
    embrace correction and live an honored life.

¹⁹ Souls who follow their hearts thrive;
    fools bent on evil despise matters of soul.

²⁰ Become wise by walking with the wise;
    hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.

²¹ Disaster entraps sinners,
    but God-loyal people get a good life.

²² A good life gets passed on to the grandchildren;
    ill-gotten wealth ends up with good people.

²³ Banks foreclose on the farms of the poor,
    or else the poor lose their shirts to crooked lawyers.

²⁴ A refusal to correct is a refusal to love;
    love your children by disciplining them.

²⁵ An appetite for good brings much satisfaction,
    but the belly of the wicked always wants more.