---
title: "Proverbs 17 — World English Bible | Favorite Scriptures"
description: "Read Proverbs 17 in the World English Bible. Free Bible reading, no account needed. Browse books and chapters, then save favorite passages in your personal library."
last_updated: "2026-10-08"
doc_version: "1"
language: "en"
canonical: "https://favoritescriptures.com/bible/proverbs/17"
---

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World English Bible

# Proverbs 17

[1](#verse-1) Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife.

[2](#verse-2) A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers.

[3](#verse-3) The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the hearts.

[4](#verse-4) An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.

[5](#verse-5) Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.

[6](#verse-6) Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children is their parents.

[7](#verse-7) Excellent speech isn’t fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince.

[8](#verse-8) A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers.

[9](#verse-9) He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends.

[10](#verse-10) A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool.

[11](#verse-11) An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

[12](#verse-12) Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

[13](#verse-13) Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

[14](#verse-14) The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.

[15](#verse-15) He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.

[16](#verse-16) Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, since he has no understanding?

[17](#verse-17) A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity.

[18](#verse-18) A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor.

[19](#verse-19) He who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.

[20](#verse-20) One who has a perverse heart doesn’t find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.

[21](#verse-21) He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy.

[22](#verse-22) A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

[23](#verse-23) A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice.

[24](#verse-24) Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.

[25](#verse-25) A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.

[26](#verse-26) Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.

[27](#verse-27) He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.

[28](#verse-28) Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.

[← Proverbs 16](/bible/proverbs/16)[Proverbs 18 →](/bible/proverbs/18)

World English Bible · Public domain

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