Proverbs 17:10–22

10 iRebuke is more effective for a wise man

Than a hundred blows on a fool.

11 An evil man seeks only rebellion;

Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

12 Let a man meet ja bear robbed of her cubs,

Rather than a fool in his folly.

13 Whoever krewards evil for good,

Evil will not depart from his house.

14 The beginning of strife is like releasing water;

Therefore lstop contention before a quarrel starts.

15 mHe who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just,

Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.

16 Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom,

Since he has no heart for it?

17 nA friend loves at all times,

And a brother is born for adversity.

18 oA man devoid of 3understanding 4shakes hands in a pledge,

And becomes 5surety for his friend.

19 He who loves transgression loves strife,

And phe who exalts his gate seeks destruction.

20 He who has a 6deceitful heart finds no good,

And he who has qa perverse tongue falls into evil.

21 He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow,

And the father of a fool has no joy.

22 A rmerry heart 7does good, like medicine,

But a broken spirit dries the bones.