Chapter 17 of the Book of Proverbs is not just a parade of fools. There are some great thoughts here. I don't want to dwell on the fools except to say that verse 10 says it all. The contrast here is that really I don't think anyone could survive 100 stripes so in a sense you could beat a fool to death and he still wouldn't receive instruction. Pretty sad.
I think if you put verse 9 into practice you are a valued friend and a peace maker. Even the Lord said, "blessed are the peace makers". When you seek love your heart is in the right place and you end up ministering to yourself as indicated by verse 22... "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine". When your heart is right it is a medicine to your spirit and body. It makes me feel good just to think about that. Verse 3 tells us that the Lord trys or tests our hearts. This means that He is examining all that we do in our dealings and relationships. Enlarge your heart today by choosing to love.
See you tomorrow, Pastor Herb