New King James Version

Proverbs 17:11-20 New King James Version (NKJV)

11. An evil man seeks only rebellion;Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

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

13. Whoever rewards evil for good,Evil will not depart from his house.

14. The beginning of strife is like releasing water;Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.

15. He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just,Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.

16. Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom,Since he has no heart for it?

17. A friend loves at all times,And a brother is born for adversity.

18. A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge,And becomes surety for his friend.

19. He who loves transgression loves strife,And he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.

20. He who has a deceitful heart finds no good,And he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil.