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.