(A)A bribe is like a magic[a] stone in the eyes of the one who gives it;
    wherever he turns he prospers.
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.
15 He who (J)justifies the wicked and he who (K)condemns the righteous
    are both alike an abomination to the Lord.
16 Why should a fool have money in his hand (L)to buy wisdom
    when he has no sense?
17 (M)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 (N)makes his door high seeks destruction.
20 (O)A man of crooked heart does not discover good,
    and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity.
21 He who (P)sires a fool gets himself sorrow,
    and the father of a fool has no joy.
22 (Q)A joyful heart is good medicine,
    but a crushed spirit (R)dries up the bones.
23 The wicked accepts (S)a bribe in secret[b]
    to (T)pervert the ways of justice.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:8 Or precious
  2. Proverbs 17:23 Hebrew a bribe from the bosom

Bible Gateway Recommends

ESV Super Giant Print Bible (TruTone Imitation Leather, Burgundy)
ESV Super Giant Print Bible (TruTone Imitation Leather, Burgundy)
Retail: $69.99
Our Price: $35.89
Save: $34.10 (49%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
Psalms, ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal
Psalms, ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal
Retail: $15.99
Our Price: $6.86
Save: $9.13 (57%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV Study Bible, Large Print, Genuine Leather, Black
ESV Study Bible, Large Print, Genuine Leather, Black
Retail: $129.99
Our Price: $87.99
Save: $42.00 (32%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Student Study Bible, Hardcover, Gray
ESV Student Study Bible, Hardcover, Gray
Retail: $34.99
Our Price: $15.09
Save: $19.90 (57%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
ESV Study Bible, Burgundy Genuine Leather with Thumb Index
ESV Study Bible, Burgundy Genuine Leather with Thumb Index
Retail: $124.99
Our Price: $62.95
Save: $62.04 (50%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
The ESV New Inductive Study Bible, Milano Softone, Green
The ESV New Inductive Study Bible, Milano Softone, Green
Retail: $74.99
Our Price: $37.50
Save: $37.49 (50%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars