Proverbs 17:1-14

Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, Than a house full of feasting with strife. A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, And shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren. The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; But Jehovah trieth the hearts. An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips; And a liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue. Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker; And he that is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished. Children’s children are the crown of old men; And the glory of children are their fathers. Excellent speech becometh not a fool; Much less do lying lips a prince. A bribe is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it; Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth. He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; But he that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends. A rebuke entereth deeper into one that hath understanding Than a hundred stripes into a fool. An evil man seeketh only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly. Whoso rewardeth evil for good, Evil shall not depart from his house. The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling.