English / ERV
Proverbs 17
Easy-to-Read Version, 2006
- 1It 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.
- 2A 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.
- 3Fire is used to make gold and silver pure, but a person’s heart is made pure by the LORD.
- 4People who do evil listen to evil ideas. Liars listen to liars.
- 5Whoever makes fun of beggars insults their Maker. Whoever laughs at someone else’s trouble will be punished.
- 6Grandchildren are the pride and joy of old age, and children take great pride in their parents.
- 7You wouldn’t expect to hear a fine speech from a fool, and you shouldn’t expect lies from a ruler.
- 8Some people think a bribe is like a lucky charm—it seems to work wherever they go.
- 9Forgive someone, and you will strengthen your friendship. Keep reminding them, and you will destroy it.
- 10Smart people learn more from a single correction than fools learn from a hundred beatings.
- 11Those who are evil only want to cause trouble. In the end, punishment without mercy will be sent to them.
- 12It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool who is busy doing foolish things.
- 13If you do wrong to those who were good to you, you will have trouble the rest of your life.
- 14The start of an argument is like a small leak in a dam. Stop it before a big fight breaks out.