Proverbs 25
1These are the miscellaneous instructions of Solomon, which the friends of Hezekiah king of Judea copied out. 1
2The glory of God conceals a matter: 1 But the glory of a king honors business. 1
3Heaven is high, and earth is deep, 1 And a king’s heart is unsearchable. 1
4Beat the drossy silver, 1 And it shall be made entirely pure. 1
5Slay the ungodly from before the king, 1 And his throne shall prosper in righteousness. 1
6Be not boastful in the presence of the king, 1 And remain not in the places of princes; 1
7For it is better for thee that it should be said, Come up to me, 1 Than that one should humble thee in the presence of the prince; 1 Speak of that which thine eyes have seen. 1
8Get not suddenly into a quarrel, 1 Lest thou repent at last. 1
9Whenever thy friend shall reproach thee, 1 Retreat backward, despise him not; 1
10a Favor and friendship set a man free, 1 Which do thou keep for thyself, lest thou be made liable to reproach; 1 But take heed to thy ways peaceably. 1
11As a golden apple in a necklace of sardius, 1 So is it to speak a wise word. 1
12In an earring of gold a precious sardius is also set; 1 So is a wise word to an obedient ear. 1
13As a fall of snow in the time of harvest is good against heat, 1 So a faithful messenger refreshes those that send him; 1 For he helps the souls of his employers. 1
14As winds and clouds and rains are most evident objects, 1 So is he that boasts of a false gift. 1
15In long-suffering is prosperity to kings, 1 And a soft tongue breaks the bones. 1
16Having found honey, eat only what is enough, 1 Lest haply thou be filled, and vomit it up. 1
17Enter sparingly into thy friend’s house, 1 Lest he be satiated with thy company, and hate thee. 1
18As a club, and a dagger, and a pointed arrow, 1 So also is a man who bears false witness against his friend. 1
19The way of the wicked and the foot of the transgressor shall perish in an evil day. 1
20a As a moth in a garment, and a worm in wood, 1 So the grief of a man hurts the heart. 1
21If thine enemy hunger, feed him; 1 If he thirst, give him drink; 1
22For so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, 1 And the Lord shall reward thee with good. 1
23The north wind raises clouds; 1 So an impudent face provokes the tongue. 1
24It is better to dwell on a corner of the roof, 1 Than with a railing woman in an open house. 1
25As cold water is agreeable to a thirsting soul, 1 So is a good message from a land far off. 1
26As if one should stop a well, and corrupt a spring of water, 1 So is it unseemly for a righteous man to fall before an ungodly man. 1
27It is not good to eat much honey; 1 But it is right to honor venerable sayings. 1
28As a city whose walls are broken down, and which is unfortified, 1 So is a man who does anything without counsel.