Proverbs 17:9-19

English Standard Version

⁹ Whoever ^(A)covers an offense seeks love,
    but he who repeats a matter ^(B)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 ^(C)a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
¹² Let a man meet ^(D)a she-bear robbed of her cubs
    ^(E)rather than a fool in his folly.
¹³ If anyone ^(F)returns evil for good,
    ^(G)evil will not depart from his house.
¹⁴ The beginning of strife is like letting out water,
    so ^(H)quit before the quarrel breaks out.
¹⁵ He who ^(I)justifies the wicked and he who ^(J)condemns the righteous
    are both alike an abomination to the Lord.
¹⁶ Why should a fool have money in his hand ^(K)to buy wisdom
    when he has no sense?
^17 (L)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 ^(M)makes his door high seeks destruction.