New English Translation

Proverbs 17:12-23 New English Translation (NET)

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 secretlyto pervert the ways of justice.