Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness

1Better is a morsel with pleasure in peace, than a house full of many good things and unjust sacrifices, with strife.

2A wise servant shall have rule over foolish masters, and shall divide portions among brethren.

3As silver and gold are tried in a furnace, so are choice hearts with the Lord.

4A bad man hearkens to the tongue of transgressors: but a righteous man attends not to false lips.

5He that laughs at the poor provokes him that made him; and he that rejoices at the destruction of another shall not be held guiltless: but he that has compassion shall find mercy.

6Children's children are the crown of old men; and their fathers are the glory of children. (17:6A) The faithful has the whole world full of wealth; but the faithless not even a farthing.

7Faithful lips will not suit a fool; nor lying lips a just man.

8Instruction is to them that use it a gracious reward; and whithersoever it may turn, it shall prosper.

9He that conceals injuries seeks love; but he that hates to hide them separates friends and kindred.

10A threat breaks down the heart of a wise man; but a fool, though scourged, understands not.

11Every bad man stirs up strifes: but the Lord will send out against him an unmerciful messenger.

12Care may befall a man of understanding; but fools will meditate evils.

13Whoso rewards evil for good, evil shall not be removed from his house.

14Rightful rule gives power to words; but sedition and strife precede poverty.

15He that pronounces the unjust just, and the just unjust, is unclean and abominable with God.

16Why has the fool wealth? for a senseless man will not be able to purchase wisdom. (17:16A) He that exalts his own house seeks ruin; and he that turns aside from instruction shall fall into mischief.

17Have thou a friend for every time, and let brethren be useful in distress; for on this account are they born.

18A foolish man applauds and rejoices over himself, as he also that becomes surety would make himself responsible for his own friends.

19A lover of sin rejoices in strifes;

20and the hard-hearted man comes not in for good. A man of a changeful tongue will fall into mischiefs;

21and the heart of a fool is grief to its possessor. A father rejoices not over an uninstructed son; but a wise son gladdens his mother.

22A glad heart promotes health; but the bones of a sorrowful man dry up.

23The ways of a man who unjustly receives gifts in his bosom do not prosper; and an ungodly man perverts the ways of righteousness.

24The countenance of a wise man is sensible; but the eyes of a fool go to the ends of the earth.

25A foolish son is a cause of anger to his father, and grief to her that bore him.

26It is not right to punish a righteous man, nor is it holy to plot against righteous princes.

27He that forbears to utter a hard word is discreet, and a patient man is wise.

28Wisdom shall be imputed to a fool who asks after wisdom: and he who holds his peace shall seem to be sensible.