Proverbs 17:6-18

English Standard Version

^6 (A)Grandchildren are ^(B)the crown of the aged,
    and the glory of children is their fathers.
⁷ Fine speech is not ^(C)becoming to a fool;
    still less is ^(D)false speech to a prince.
^8 (E)A bribe is like a magic^[a] stone in the eyes of the one who gives it;
    wherever he turns he prospers.
⁹ Whoever ^(F)covers an offense seeks love,
    but he who repeats a matter ^(G)separates close friends.
¹⁰ A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding
    than a hundred blows into a fool.
¹¹ An evil man seeks only rebellion,
    and ^(H)a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
¹² Let a man meet ^(I)a she-bear robbed of her cubs
    ^(J)rather than a fool in his folly.
¹³ If anyone ^(K)returns evil for good,
    ^(L)evil will not depart from his house.
¹⁴ The beginning of strife is like letting out water,
    so ^(M)quit before the quarrel breaks out.
¹⁵ He who ^(N)justifies the wicked and he who ^(O)condemns the righteous
    are both alike an abomination to the Lord.
¹⁶ Why should a fool have money in his hand ^(P)to buy wisdom
    when he has no sense?
^17 (Q)A friend loves at all times,
    and a brother is born for adversity.
¹⁸ One who lacks sense gives a pledge
    and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.