Proverbs 27:17

Friendship is good. Friends should encourage each other. They should help each other. And they should teach each other about God. In the Bible, Jonathan and David were special friends. See 1 Samuel 18:1-4; 1 Samuel 19:1-6; 1 Samuel 20:1-42; 1 Samuel 23:16.

v18 The man that looks after a fruit tree will eat the fruit.

The servant who looks after his master will receive his reward.

v19 As water reflects a face,

so a man’s thoughts show his character.

v20 Death and hell always claim more lives.

And nothing can satisfy a man’s desire.

v21 Test silver with heat!

Test gold with fire!

If you praise a man, then you will test him.

v22 You can strike a fool as hard as you strike grain.

But he will still be a fool.