Proverbs 17:13-23

English Standard Version

¹³ If anyone ^(A)returns evil for good,
    ^(B)evil will not depart from his house.
¹⁴ The beginning of strife is like letting out water,
    so ^(C)quit before the quarrel breaks out.
¹⁵ He who ^(D)justifies the wicked and he who ^(E)condemns the righteous
    are both alike an abomination to the Lord.
¹⁶ Why should a fool have money in his hand ^(F)to buy wisdom
    when he has no sense?
^17 (G)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.
¹⁹ Whoever loves transgression loves strife;
    he who ^(H)makes his door high seeks destruction.
^20 (I)A man of crooked heart does not discover good,
    and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity.
²¹ He who ^(J)sires a fool gets himself sorrow,
    and the father of a fool has no joy.
^22 (K)A joyful heart is good medicine,
    but a crushed spirit ^(L)dries up the bones.
²³ The wicked accepts ^(M)a bribe in secret^[a]
    to ^(N)pervert the ways of justice.