Proverbs 17:17-28

Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble. It’s stupid to try to get something for nothing, or run up huge bills you can never pay. The person who courts sin marries trouble; build a wall, invite a burglar. A bad motive can’t achieve a good end; double-talk brings you double trouble. Having a fool for a child is misery; it’s no fun being the parent of a dolt. A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired. The wicked take bribes under the table; they show nothing but contempt for justice. The perceptive find wisdom in their own front yard; fools look for it everywhere but right here. A surly, stupid child is sheer pain to a father, a bitter pill for a mother to swallow. It’s wrong to penalize good behavior, or make good citizens pay for the crimes of others. The one who knows much says little; an understanding person remains calm. Even dunces who keep quiet are thought to be wise; as long as they keep their mouths shut, they’re smart.