Proverbs 17:7-17
New American Standard Bible
7 [a](A)Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool,
Much less are (B)lying lips to a prince.
8 A (C)bribe is a [b]charm in the sight of its owner;
Wherever he turns, he prospers.
9 One who (D)conceals an offense seeks love,
But one who repeats a matter (E)separates close friends.
10 A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding
Than a hundred blows into a fool.
11 A rebellious person seeks only evil,
So a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
12 Let a (F)person meet a (G)bear robbed of her cubs,
Rather than a fool in his foolishness.
13 One who (H)returns evil for good,
(I)Evil will not depart from his house.
14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water,
So (J)abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.
15 One who (K)justifies the wicked and one who condemns the righteous,
Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.
16 Why is there money in the hand of a fool to (L)buy wisdom,
When [c]he has no sense?
17 A (M)friend loves at all times,
And a brother is born for adversity.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 17:7 Lit A lip of abundance
- Proverbs 17:8 Lit stone of favor
- Proverbs 17:16 Lit there is no heart
Proverbs 17:7-17
New International Version
7 Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool—
how much worse lying lips to a ruler!(A)
8 A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it;
they think success will come at every turn.(B)
9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,(C)
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.(D)
10 A rebuke impresses a discerning person
more than a hundred lashes a fool.
11 Evildoers foster rebellion against God;
the messenger of death will be sent against them.
12 Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs
than a fool bent on folly.(E)
14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.(H)
16 Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom,
when they are not able to understand it?(K)
17 A friend loves at all times,
and a brother is born for a time of adversity.(L)
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