Old Testament

New Testament

Proverbs 17:14-27 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

14. Starting to argue is like making a crack in a dam. So drop the matter before a fight breaks out.

15. The Lord hates two things. He hates it when the guilty are set free. He also hates it when those who aren't guilty are punished.

16. What good is money in the hands of a foolish person? He doesn't want to become wise.

17. A friend loves at all times. He is there to help when trouble comes.

18. A man who has little sense agrees to pay what other people owe. It isn't wise to put up money for others.

19. The one who loves to argue loves to sin. The one who builds a high gate is just asking to be destroyed.

20. If your heart is twisted, you won't succeed. If your tongue tells lies, you will get into trouble.

21. It is sad to have a foolish child. The parents of a foolish person have no joy.

22. A cheerful heart makes you healthy. But a broken spirit dries you up.

23. Anyone who does wrong accepts favors in secret. Then he turns what is right into wrong.

24. Anyone who understands what is right keeps wisdom in view. But the eyes of a foolish person look everywhere else.

25. A foolish child makes his father sad and his mother sorry.

26. It isn't good to punish those who aren't guilty. It isn't good to whip officials just because they are honest.

27. Anyone who has knowledge controls his words. A man who has understanding is not easily upset.

Read complete chapter Proverbs 17