Proverbs 17:7-24 - The Consequences Of Being A Fool
7 Appropriate speech is inconsistent with the fool; how much more are deceitful statements with a prince!
8 A bribe works wonders in the eyes of its giver; wherever he turns he prospers.
9 Anyone who overlooks an offense promotes love, but someone who gossips separates close friends.
10 A rebuke is more effective with a man of understanding than a hundred lashes to a fool.
11 A rebellious person seeks evil; a cruel emissary will be sent to oppose him.
12 It's better to meet a mother bear who has lost her cubs than a fool in his stupidity.
13 The person who repays good with evil will never see evil leave his home.
14 Starting a quarrel is like spilling water so drop the dispute before it escalates.
15 Exonerating the wicked and condemning the righteous are both detestable to the LORD.
16 What is this? A fool has enough money to buy wisdom, but is senseless?
17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is there for times of trouble.
18 A man who lacks sense cosigns a loan, becoming a guarantor for his neighbor.
19 The person who loves transgression loves strife; the person who builds a high gate invites destruction.
20 The person whose mind is perverse does not find good, and anyone with perverted speech falls into trouble.
21 The man who fathers a fool does so to his sorrow the father of a fool has no joy.
22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit drains one's strength.
23 The wicked man takes a bribe in secret in order to pervert the course of justice.
24 A person with understanding has wisdom as his objective, but a fool looks only to earthly goals.