Scripture readings:

Proverbs 1:1-7, 17:17, 18:24, 27:6, 28:23, 11:12, 27:17, 13:20

(New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition - NRSVUE)

Proverbs 1:1-7

1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

2 For learning about wisdom and instruction,

for understanding words of insight,

3 for gaining instruction in wise dealing,

righteousness, justice, and equity;

4 to teach shrewdness to the simple,

knowledge and prudence to the young—

5 let the wise, too, hear and gain in learning

and the discerning acquire skill,

6 to understand a proverb and a figure,

the words of the wise and their riddles.

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;

fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 17:17

17 A friend loves at all times,

and kinsfolk are born to share adversity.

Proverbs 18:24

24 Some[a] friends play at friendship,[b]

but a true friend sticks closer than one’s sibling.

Proverbs 27:6

6 Well meant are the wounds a friend inflicts,

but profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

Proverbs 28:23

23 Whoever rebukes a person will afterward find more favor

than one who flatters with the tongue.

Proverbs 11:12

12 Whoever belittles another lacks sense,

but an intelligent person remains silent.

Proverbs 27:17

17 Iron sharpens iron,

and one person sharpens the wits[a] of another.

Proverbs 13:20

20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,

but the companion of fools suffers harm.