American Standard Version

Proverbs 17:12-24 American Standard Version (ASV)

12. Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly.

13. Whoso rewardeth evil for good, Evil shall not depart from his house.

14. The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling.

15. He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to Jehovah.

16. Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, Seeing he hath no understanding?

17. A friend loveth at all times; And a brother is born for adversity.

18. A man void of understanding striketh hands, And becometh surety in the presence of his neighbor.

19. He loveth transgression that loveth strife: He that raiseth high his gate seeketh destruction.

20. He that hath a wayward heart findeth no good; And he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

21. He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow; And the father of a fool hath no joy.

22. A cheerful heart is a good medicine; But a broken spirit drieth up the bones.

23. A wicked man receiveth a bribe out of the bosom, To pervert the ways of justice.

24. Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding; But the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.