PROVERBS CHAPTER 17.
V. 22. A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, cheerfulness is conducive to health and well-being; but a broken spirit, one afflicted with grief and distress, drieth the bones, taking the very marrow and strength out of the body.
V. 23. A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom, rather, “A bribe from the bosom,” one given secretly and stealthily, “the wicked will receive,” to pervert the ways of judgment, that being the object of bribes.
V. 24. Wisdom is before him that hath understanding, it is very near to him, it guides and directs him always, leading him along one definite road always; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth, engaged with things in a dim and shadowy distance, his thoughts straying about without definite aim.
V. 25. A foolish son is a grief to his father, causing him sorrow and mourning, and bitterness to her that bare him, by the vexation which he causes.