Proverbs 17:8-14

English Standard Version

^8 (A)A bribe is like a magic^[a] stone in the eyes of the one who gives it;
    wherever he turns he prospers.
⁹ Whoever ^(B)covers an offense seeks love,
    but he who repeats a matter ^(C)separates close friends.
¹⁰ A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding
    than a hundred blows into a fool.
¹¹ An evil man seeks only rebellion,
    and ^(D)a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
¹² Let a man meet ^(E)a she-bear robbed of her cubs
    ^(F)rather than a fool in his folly.
¹³ If anyone ^(G)returns evil for good,
    ^(H)evil will not depart from his house.
¹⁴ The beginning of strife is like letting out water,
    so ^(I)quit before the quarrel breaks out.