17:1 Better is a dry crust of bread where there is quietness than a house full of feasting with strife.
17:2 A servant who acts wisely will rule over an heir who behaves shamefully, and will share the inheritance along with the relatives.
17:3 The crucible is for refining silver and the furnace is for gold, likewise the Lord tests hearts.
17:4 One who acts wickedly pays attention to evil counsel; a liar listens to a malicious tongue.
17:5 The one who mocks the poor insults his Creator; whoever rejoices over disaster will not go unpunished.
17:6 Grandchildren are like a crown to the elderly, and the glory of children is their parents.
17:7 Excessive speech is not becoming for a fool; how much less are lies for a ruler.
17:8 A bribe works like a charm for the one who offers it; in whatever he does he succeeds.
17:9 The one who forgives an offense seeks love, but whoever repeats a matter separates close friends.
17:10 A rebuke makes a greater impression on a discerning person than a hundred blows on a fool.
17:11 An evil person seeks only rebellion, and so a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
17:12 It is better for a person to encounter a mother bear being robbed of her cubs, than to meet a fool in his folly.
17:13 As for the one who repays evil for good, evil will not leave his house.
17:14 Starting a quarrel is like letting out water; stop it before strife breaks out!
17:15 The one who acquits the guilty and condemns the innocent — both of them are an abomination to the Lord.
17:16 Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no intention of acquiring wisdom?