Proverbs 25
1These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah. 1
2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, 1 but the glory of kings to search it out. 1
3Like the heavens are for height and the earth is for depth, 1 so the heart of kings is unsearchable. 1
4Remove the dross from the silver 1 and a metal worker can use the silver in his craft. 1
5Even so, remove wicked people from the presence of the king 1 and his throne will be established by doing what is right. 1
6Do not honor yourself in the king's presence 1 and do not stand in the place designated for great people. 1
7It is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” 1 than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman. 1 What you have witnessed, 1
8do not bring quickly to trial. 1 For what will you do in the end 1 when your neighbor puts you to shame? 1
9Argue your case between you and your neighbor himself 1 and do not disclose another's secret, 1
10or else the one who hears you will bring shame upon you 1 and an evil report about you that cannot be silenced. 1
11Apples of gold in settings of silver 2 is a word spoken in the right situation. 1
12A gold ring or jewelry made of fine gold 1 is a wise rebuke to a listening ear. 1
13Like the cold of snow at harvest time 1 is a faithful messenger for those who sent him; 1 he brings back the life of his masters. 1
14Clouds and wind without rain 1 is the one who boasts about a gift he does not give. 1
15With patience a ruler can be persuaded 1 and a soft tongue can break a bone. 1
16If you find honey, eat just enough— 1 otherwise, having too much of it, you vomit it up. 1
17Do not set your foot in your neighbor's house too often, 1 he may become tired of you and hate you. 1
18A man who bears false witness against his neighbor 1 is like a club used in war, or a sword, or a sharp arrow. 1
19An unfaithful man in whom you trust in a time of trouble 1 is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips. 1
20Like a person who takes off a garment in cold weather, 1 or like vinegar poured upon carbonate of soda, 1 is the one who sings songs to a heavy heart. 1
21If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, 1 and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, 1
22for you will shovel coals of fire on his head 1 and Yahweh will reward you. 1
23As surely as the north wind brings rain, 1 so a tongue that tells secrets will result in angry faces. 1
24It is better to live on a corner of the roof 1 than in a house shared with a quarreling wife. 1
25Like cold waters to one who is thirsty, 1 so is good news from a far country. 1
26Like a fouled spring or a ruined fountain 1 is a righteous person tottering before wicked people. 1
27It is not good to eat too much honey; 1 that is like searching for honor after honor. + 25:27 Modern versions have different interpretations of this difficult verse. 1
28A person without self-control 1 is like a city breached and without walls.