Proverbs 17
1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than a house full of feasting [with] strife.
Better to eat a dry scrap in peace than to feast in a house full of people arguing.
2 A wise servant shall rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren.
A servant who acts wisely will be put in charge of a disgraced son, and will share the family inheritance with the brothers.
3 The fining-pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; but Jehovah trieth the hearts.
A crucible tests silver, and a furnace tests gold, but the Lord tests the attitude of mind.
4 The evil-doer giveth heed to iniquitous lips; the liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue.
Evil people listen to spiteful talk, and liars pay attention to malicious words.
5 Whoso mocketh a poor [man] reproacheth his Maker; he that is glad at calamity shall not be held innocent.
Anyone who oppresses the poor insults their Maker, and anyone who enjoys the suffering of others will be punished.
6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
Old people are proud of their grandchildren, and children are proud of their parents.
7 Excellent speech becometh not a vile [man]; how much less do lying lips a noble!
Fine words don't suit stupid people, how much less are lies suited to a ruler.
8 A gift is a precious stone in the eyes of the possessor: whithersoever it turneth it prospereth.
Whoever gives a bribe thinks it's a magical stone—that wherever they turn they'll have success!
9 He that covereth transgression seeketh love; but he that bringeth a matter up again separateth very friends.
If you forgive a wrong you encourage friendship, but if you keep talking about it you'll lose your friend.
10 A reproof entereth more deeply into him that hath understanding than a hundred stripes into a fool.
A reprimand hits a thinking person more than one hundred blows hit someone stupid.
11 An evil [man] seeketh only rebellion; but a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
Evil people are only looking to rebel, so a cruel messenger will be sent to attack them.
12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man rather than a fool in his folly.
Better to meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs than a stupid person and their foolishness.
13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
If you repay evil for good, evil will never leave your house.
14 The beginning of contention is [as] when one letteth out water; therefore leave off strife before it become vehement.
The beginning of a quarrel is like the first leak in a water dam, so drop it before a major argument bursts out.
15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, even they both are abomination to Jehovah.
The Lord hates it when the wicked are acquitted and the innocent condemned.
16 To what purpose is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing [he] hath no sense?
Is there any point in stupid people trying to buy wisdom when they don't want to learn?
17 The friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
A true friend is always there to love you, and family provides help when troubles come.
18 A senseless man striketh hands, becoming surety for his neighbour.
It's not a wise idea to make a pledge and guarantee a neighbor's debt.
19 He loveth transgression that loveth a quarrel; he that maketh high his gate seeketh destruction.
People who love sin like to argue; those who build high gates invite destruction.
20 He that hath a perverse heart findeth no good; and he that shifteth about with his tongue falleth into evil.
People with warped minds don't succeed; those who tell lies get into trouble.
21 He that begetteth a fool [doeth it] to his sorrow, and the father of a vile [man] hath no joy.
A stupid son brings grief to his father; the father of a child who does stupid things has no joy.
22 A joyful heart promoteth healing; but a broken spirit drieth up the bones.
A cheerful attitude is like good medicine, but discouragement makes you sick.
23 A wicked [man] taketh a gift out of the bosom, to pervert the paths of judgment.
The wicked take hidden bribes to pervert the course of justice.
24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
Sensible people focus on wisdom, but the eyes of stupid people are always wandering.
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bore him.
A stupid son brings grief to his father and sadness to his mother who gave birth to him.
26 To punish a righteous [man] is not good, nor to strike nobles because of [their] uprightness.
It's not right to impose a fine on someone who's innocent or to flog good leaders for their honesty.
27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words; and a man of understanding is of a cool spirit.
If you're wise, you'll be careful what you say; and if you're sensible, you'll keep your temper.
28 Even a fool when he holdeth his peace is reckoned wise, [and] he that shutteth his lips, intelligent.
Even stupid people who keep quiet are considered wise; if they don't say anything they appear intelligent.
