17:1 Better is a dry crust of bread 1 where there is quietness 2
than a house full of feasting with strife. 3
17:2 A servant who acts wisely 4 will rule
over 5 an heir 6 who behaves shamefully, 7
and will share the inheritance along with the relatives. 8
17:3 The crucible 9 is for refining 10 silver and the furnace 11 is for gold,
likewise 12 the Lord tests 13 hearts.
17:4 One who acts wickedly 14 pays attention to evil counsel; 15
a liar listens 16 to a malicious tongue. 17
17:5 The one who mocks the poor 18 insults 19 his Creator;
whoever rejoices over disaster will not go unpunished.
17:6 Grandchildren 20 are like 21 a crown 22 to the elderly,
and the glory 23 of children is their parents. 24
17:7 Excessive 25 speech 26 is not becoming for a fool; 27
how much less are lies 28 for a ruler! 29
17:8 A bribe works like 30 a charm 31 for the one who offers it; 32
in whatever he does 33 he succeeds. 34
17:9 The one who forgives 35 an offense seeks 36 love,
but whoever repeats a matter separates close friends. 37