Proverbs 17:15-28

Whoever approves of wicked people and whoever condemns righteous people is disgusting to the LORD. Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he doesn’t have a mind to grasp anything? A friend always loves, and a brother is born to share trouble. A person without good sense closes a deal with a handshake. He guarantees a loan in the presence of his friend. Whoever loves sin loves a quarrel. Whoever builds his city gate high invites destruction. A twisted mind never finds happiness, and one with a devious tongue ⌞repeatedly⌟ gets into trouble. The parent of a fool has grief, and the father of a godless fool has no joy. A joyful heart is good medicine, but depression drains one’s strength. A wicked person secretly accepts a bribe to corrupt the ways of justice. Wisdom is directly in front of an understanding person, but the eyes of a fool ⌞are looking around⌟ all over the world. A foolish son is a heartache to his father and bitter grief to his mother. To punish an innocent person is not good. To strike down noble people is not right. Whoever has knowledge controls his words, and a person who has understanding is even-tempered. Even a stubborn fool is thought to be wise if he keeps silent. He is considered intelligent if he keeps his lips sealed.