Proverbs 25

1These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied.

2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, and the glory of kings to search a matter out.

3As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the heart of kings is beyond searching out.

4Remove the dross from silver, and a vessel comes out for the silversmith;

5remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be made firm by righteousness.

6Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence, and do not stand in the place of the great,

7for it is better to be told, “Come up here,” than to be put lower in the presence of a noble whom your eyes have seen.

8Do not go out hastily to court, for what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame?

9Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal another person’s secret,

10or the one who hears it will disgrace you, and your bad reputation will never go away.

11Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken at the right time.

12Like a gold earring or an ornament of fine gold is a wise person’s rebuke to a listening ear.

13Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.

14Like clouds and wind without rain is a person who boasts of a gift he never gives.

15Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

16If you find honey, eat just enough, or you will have too much and vomit it up.

17Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house, or he will get tired of you and hate you.

18Like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow is a person who gives false testimony against his neighbor.

19Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is trust in a treacherous person in a time of trouble.

20Like taking off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on soda, is one who sings songs to a troubled heart.

21If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,

22for you will heap burning coals on his head, and Yahweh will reward you.

23The north wind brings forth rain, and a secretive tongue, angry looks.

24Better to live in a corner of the roof than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.

25Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.

26Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous person who gives way before the wicked.

27It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it glory to search out one’s own glory.

28Like a city broken into and left without walls is a person who has no control over his spirit.