Proverbs 25- 1
- These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:
- 2
- It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
- 3
- As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
- 4
- Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for [1] the silversmith;
- 5
- remove the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness.
- 6
- Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence, and do not claim a place among great men;
- 7
- it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here," than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman. What you have seen with your eyes
- 8
- do not bring [2] hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?
- 9
- If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man's confidence,
- 10
- or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation.
- 11
- A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
- 12
- Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear.
- 13
- Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters.
- 14
- Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.
- 15
- Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
- 16
- If you find honey, eat just enough-- too much of it, and you will vomit.
- 17
- Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house-- too much of you, and he will hate you.
- 18
- Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor.
- 19
- Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.
- 20
- Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
- 21
- If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
- 22
- In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
- 23
- As a north wind brings rain, so a sly tongue brings angry looks.
- 24
- Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
- 25
- Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.
- 26
- Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked.
- 27
- It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.
- 28
- Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.
- [4] Or comes a vessel from
- [7,8] Or nobleman / on whom you had set your eyes. / [8] Do not go