Proverbs 17:9-17

New International Version

⁹ Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,^(A)
    but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.^(B)

¹⁰ A rebuke impresses a discerning person
    more than a hundred lashes a fool.

¹¹ Evildoers foster rebellion against God;
    the messenger of death will be sent against them.

¹² Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs
    than a fool bent on folly.^(C)

¹³ Evil will never leave the house
    of one who pays back evil^(D) for good.^(E)

¹⁴ Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
    so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.^(F)

¹⁵ Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent^(G)—
    the Lord detests them both.^(H)

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

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