Proverbs 17 (NASB)

28 verses · New American Standard Bible · Formal equivalence (most literal)

The NASB is widely regarded as the most literally accurate English translation. It is the standard for in-depth word study and academic analysis, preserving the exact structure and terminology of the original languages as closely as possible.

Proverbs Chapter 17 contains 28 verses and is presented here in the New American Standard Bible (NASB), which uses a formal equivalence (most literal) approach. Read the full text below, compare with other translations, or navigate to any of the 31 chapters in Proverbs.

NIVKJVESVNLTMSG
Chapter 16Chapter 18

1Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of feasting with strife.

2A servant who acts wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully, And will share in the inheritance among brothers.

3The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests hearts.

4An evildoer listens to wicked lips; A liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.

5He who mocks the poor taunts his Maker; He who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished.

6Grandchildren are the crown of old men, And the glory of sons is their fathers.

7Excellent speech is not fitting for a fool, Much less are lying lips to a prince.

8A bribe is a charm in the sight of its owner; Wherever he turns, he prospers.

9He who conceals a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends.

10A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred blows into a fool.

11A rebellious man seeks only evil, So a cruel messenger will be sent against him.

12Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly.

13He who returns evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house.

14The beginning of strife is [like] letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.

15He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous, Both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.

16Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, When he has no sense?

17A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.

18A man lacking in sense pledges And becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor.

19He who loves transgression loves strife; He who raises his door seeks destruction.

20He who has a crooked mind finds no good, And he who is perverted in his language falls into evil.

21He who sires a fool [does so] to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy.

22A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.

23A wicked man receives a bribe from the bosom To pervert the ways of justice.

24Wisdom is in the presence of the one who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

25A foolish son is a grief to his father And bitterness to her who bore him.

26It is also not good to fine the righteous, [Nor] to strike the noble for [their] uprightness.

27He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

28Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips, he is [considered] prudent.

Chapter 16Read in NIVChapter 18

About This Translation

What is Proverbs 17 in the NASB?

Proverbs 17 in the New American Standard Bible (NASB) contains 28 verses. The NASB uses a formal equivalence (most literal) approach, first published in 1971 (rev. 2020).

How does the NASB translate Proverbs 17 differently?

The New American Standard Bible uses formal equivalence (most literal), balancing accuracy with modern readability. Compare this with the NIV (dynamic equivalence) version of Proverbs 17 for a different perspective.

How many verses are in Proverbs 17 (NASB)?

Proverbs Chapter 17 contains 28 verses in the New American Standard Bible. The book of Proverbs has 31 chapters total.

Proverbs (NASB) — All 31 Chapters