Proverbs 17:7-24 - The Consequences Of Being A Fool

⁷ Excessive speech is not becoming for a fool; how much less are lies for a ruler!

⁸ A bribe works like a charm for the one who offers it; in whatever he does he succeeds.

⁹ The one who forgives an offense seeks love, but whoever repeats a matter separates close friends.

¹⁰ A rebuke makes a greater impression on a discerning person than a hundred blows on a fool.

¹¹ An evil person seeks only rebellion, and so a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

¹² It is better for a person to meet a mother bear being robbed of her cubs, than to encounter a fool in his folly.

¹³ As for the one who repays evil for good, evil will not leave his house.

¹⁴ Starting a quarrel is like letting out water; stop it before strife breaks out!

¹⁵ The one who acquits the guilty and the one who condemns the innocent -- both of them are an abomination to the Lord.

¹⁶ Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no intention of acquiring wisdom?

¹⁷ A friend loves at all times, and a relative is born to help in adversity.

¹⁸ The one who lacks wisdom strikes hands in pledge, and puts up financial security for his neighbor.

¹⁹ The one who loves a quarrel loves transgression; whoever builds his gate high seeks destruction.

²⁰ The one who has a perverse heart does not find good, and the one who is deceitful in speech falls into trouble.

²¹ Whoever brings a fool into the world does so to his grief, and the father of a fool has no joy.

²² A cheerful heart brings good healing, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

²³ A wicked person receives a bribe secretly to pervert the ways of justice.

²⁴ Wisdom is directly in front of the discerning person, but the eyes of a fool run to the ends of the earth.