Proverbs 17:15-24

New International Version - UK

¹⁵ Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent –
    the Lord detests them both.

¹⁶ Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom,
    when they are not able to understand it?

¹⁷ A friend loves at all times,
    and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

¹⁸ One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge
    and puts up security for a neighbour.

¹⁹ Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin;
    whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.

²⁰ One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper;
    one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.

²¹ To have a fool for a child brings grief;
    there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool.

²² A cheerful heart is good medicine,
    but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

²³ The wicked accept bribes in secret
    to pervert the course of justice.

²⁴ A discerning person keeps wisdom in view,
    but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.