Sundry observations of moral virtues, and their contrary vices.

17:1 Better is a dry morsel with quietness,
than a house full of feasting with strife.

17:2 A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame,
and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers.

17:3 The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold,
but Yahweh tests the hearts.

17:4 An evildoer heeds wicked lips.
A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.

17:5 Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker.
He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.

17:6 Children’s children are the crown of old men;
the glory of children are their parents.

17:7 Arrogant speech isn’t fitting for a fool,
much less do lying lips fit a prince.

17:8 A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it;
wherever he turns, he prospers.

17:9 He who covers an offense promotes love;
but he who repeats a matter separates best friends.

17:10 A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding
than a hundred lashes into a fool.

17:11 An evil man seeks only rebellion;
therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

17:12 Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man,
rather than a fool in his folly.

17:13 Whoever rewards evil for good,
evil shall not depart from his house.

17:14 The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam,
therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.

17:15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous,
both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.

17:16 Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom,
seeing he has no understanding?

17:17 A friend loves at all times;
and a brother is born for adversity.

17:18 A man void of understanding strikes hands,
and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor.

17:19 He who loves disobedience loves strife.
One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.

17:20 One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity,
and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.

17:21 He who becomes the father of a fool grieves.
The father of a fool has no joy.

17:22 A cheerful heart makes good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

17:23 A wicked man receives a bribe in secret,
to pervert the ways of justice.

17:24 Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding,
but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.

17:25 A foolish son brings grief to his father,
and bitterness to her who bore him.

17:26 Also to punish the righteous is not good,
nor to flog officials for their integrity.

17:27 He who spares his words has knowledge.
He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.

17:28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise.
When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.