September 14: Proverbs 17–18; 2 Timothy 4:9–22; Psalm 69:19–36; Proverbs 23:17–18

Old Testament: Proverbs 17–18 Proverbs 17–18 (Listen) 17   Better is a dry morsel with quiet<br />    than a house full of feasting1 with strife.<br />2   A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully<br />    and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.<br />3   The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,<br />    and the LORD tests hearts.<br />4   An evildoer listens to wicked lips,<br />    and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.<br />5   Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker;<br />    he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.<br />6   Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,<br />    and the glory of children is their fathers.<br />7   Fine speech is not becoming to a fool;<br />    still less is false speech to a prince.<br />8   A bribe is like a magic2 stone in the eyes of the one who gives it;<br />    wherever he turns he prospers.<br />9   Whoever covers an offense seeks love,<br />    but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.<br />10