Proverbs 17:7-9

Contemporary English Version

⁷ It sounds strange for a fool
    to talk sensibly,
but it's even worse
    for a ruler to tell lies.
⁸ A bribe works miracles
like a magic charm
    that brings good luck.
⁹ You will keep your friends
    if you forgive them,
but you will lose your friends
if you keep talking about
    what they did wrong.