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17:1  It is better to have nothing but a dry piece of bread to eat in peace than a whole house full of food with everyone arguing.
17:2  A smart servant will gain control over his master’s foolish son. He will be treated like a son and get a share of the inheritance.
17:3  Fire is used to make gold and silver pure, but a person’s heart is made pure by the Lord.
17:4  People who do evil listen to evil ideas. Liars listen to liars.
17:5  Whoever makes fun of beggars insults their Maker. Whoever laughs at someone else’s trouble will be punished.
17:6  Grandchildren are the pride and joy of old age, and children take great pride in their parents.
17:7  You wouldn’t expect to hear a fine speech from a fool, and you shouldn’t expect lies from a ruler.
17:8  Some people think a bribe is like a lucky charm—it seems to work wherever they go.
17:9  Forgive someone, and you will strengthen your friendship. Keep reminding them, and you will destroy it.
17:10  Smart people learn more from a single correction than fools learn from a hundred beatings.
17:11  Those who are evil only want to cause trouble. In the end, punishment without mercy will be sent to them.
17:12  It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool who is busy doing foolish things.
17:13  If you do wrong to those who were good to you, you will have trouble the rest of your life.
17:14  The start of an argument is like a small leak in a dam. Stop it before a big fight breaks out.
17:15  The Lord hates these two things: punishing the innocent and letting the guilty go free.
17:16  Money is wasted on fools. They cannot buy wisdom when they have no sense.
17:17  A friend loves you all the time, but a brother was born to help in times of trouble.
17:18  Only a fool would promise to pay for someone else’s debts.
17:19  A troublemaker loves to start arguments. Anyone who likes to brag is asking for trouble.
17:20  Crooks will not profit from their crimes, and those who plan to cause trouble will be trapped when it comes.
17:21  A man who has a fool for a son will be disappointed. A fool brings no joy to his father.
17:22  Happiness is good medicine, but sorrow is a disease.
17:23  A wicked judge will accept a bribe, and that keeps justice from being done.
17:24  Intelligent people think about what needs to be done here and now. Fools are always dreaming about faraway places.
17:25  Foolish children upset their parents and make them sad.
17:26  It is wrong to punish an innocent person or attack leaders for doing what is right.
17:27  Intelligent people choose their words carefully. Those who know what they are doing remain calm.
17:28  Silent fools seem wise. They say nothing and appear to be smart.