12 It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly. 13 If anyone returns evil for good, evil will never leave his house. 14 To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out.
Proverbs 17:12–14
Semantically similar passages
Proverbs 3:29–31
29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he trustfully dwells beside you. 30 Do not accuse a man without cause, when he has done you no harm. 31 Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways;
Sirach 8:9–11
9 Don’t miss the discourse of the aged, for they also learned from their parents, because from them you will learn understanding, and to give an answer in time of need. (WEB) 10 Don’t kindle the coals of a sinner, lest you be burned with the flame of his fire. (WEB) 11 Don’t rise… (WEB)
Sirach 27:26–28
26 He who digs a pit will fall into it. He who sets a snare will be caught in it. (WEB) 27 He who does evil things, they will roll back upon him, and he will not know where they came from. (WEB) 28 Mockery and reproach are from the arrogant. Vengeance lies in wait for them like a l… (WEB)
Sirach 8:1–2
1 Don’t contend with a mighty man, lest perhaps you fall into his hands. (WEB) 2 Don’t strive with a rich man, lest perhaps he overpower you; for gold has destroyed many, and turned away the hearts of kings. (WEB)
Proverbs 18:5–7
5 Showing partiality to the wicked is not good, nor is depriving the innocent of justice. 6 A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating. 7 A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
Proverbs 26:3–5
3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools! 4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.
Proverbs 26:26–28
26 Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. 27 He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. 28 A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin.
Proverbs 23:8–10
8 You will vomit up what little you have eaten and waste your pleasant words. 9 Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. 10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
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