Proverbs 17:19-28

17:19 The one who loves a quarrel loves transgression;

whoever builds his gate high seeks destruction.

17:20 The one who has a perverse heart does not find good,

and the one who is deceitful in speech falls into trouble.

17:21 Whoever brings a fool into the world does so to his grief,

and the father of a fool has no joy.

17:22 A cheerful heart brings good healing,

but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

17:23 A wicked person receives a bribe secretly

to pervert the ways of justice.

17:24 Wisdom is directly in front of the discerning person,

but the eyes of a fool run to the ends of the earth.

17:25 A foolish child is a grief to his father,

and bitterness to the mother who bore him.

17:26 It is terrible to punish a righteous person,

and to flog honorable men is wrong.

17:27 The truly wise person restrains his words,

and the one who stays calm is discerning.

17:28 Even a fool who remains silent is considered wise,

and the one who holds his tongue is deemed discerning.