Proverbs 17:13-26

Whoever rewards evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house. The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts. He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD. Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom, Since he has no heart for it? A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity. A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, And becomes surety for his friend. He who loves transgression loves strife, And he who exalts his gate seeks destruction. He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, And he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil. He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy. A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones. A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back To pervert the ways of justice. Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her who bore him. Also, to punish the righteous is not good, Nor to strike princes for their uprightness.