Proverbs 25

1These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. 2but the glory of kings is to search out a matter. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, 3so the hearts of kings are unsearchable. As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, 4and material comes out for the refiner; Take away the dross from the silver, 5and his throne will be established in righteousness. Take away the wicked from the king’s presence, 6or claim a place among great men; Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king, 7than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen. for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” 8What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you? Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court. 9Debate your case with your neighbor, and don’t betray the confidence of another; 10lest one who hears it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart. 11is like apples of gold in settings of silver. A word fitly spoken 12so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear. As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, 13so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters. As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, 14so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively. As clouds and wind without rain, 15A soft tongue breaks the bone. By patience a ruler is persuaded. 16Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you eat too much, and vomit it. Have you found honey? 17lest he be weary of you, and hate you. Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house, 18is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow. A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor 19is like a bad tooth, or a lame foot. Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble 20or vinegar on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, 21If he is thirsty, give him water to drink: If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. 22and Yahweh will reward you. for you will heap coals of fire on his head, 23so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face. The north wind produces rain: 24than to share a house with a contentious woman. It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, 25so is good news from a far country. Like cold water to a thirsty soul, 26so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked. Like a muddied spring, and a polluted well, 27nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor. It is not good to eat much honey; 28is a man whose spirit is without restraint. Like a city that is broken down and without walls