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)

¹³ Evil will never leave the house
    of one who pays back evil^(F) for good.^(G)

¹⁴ Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
    so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.^(H)

¹⁵ Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent^(I)—
    the Lord detests them both.^(J)

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)