Proverbs 17:12–15

PROVERBS CHAPTER 17.

V. 12. Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man rather than a fool in his folly, for a malignant fool is a greater menace to society and mankind in general than an angry bear.

V. 13. Whoso rewardeth evil for good, in an excess of ingratitude, evil shall not depart from his house, for misfortune is the penalty of such acts of base ingratitude.

V. 14. The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water, as the breaking forth of waters through a dam or dike; one never knows to what proportions the flood will grow; therefore leave off contention before it be meddled with, cease before the mischief is set a-going; for, as in the case of a flood, one never knows how much damage will eventually be done.

V. 15. He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, with an utter disregard of the demands of justice, even they both are abomination to the Lord, God regards either case with equal loathing