Proverbs 25
25
More Proverbs of Solomon
1These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:
2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;
to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
3As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,
so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
4Remove the dross from the silver,
and a silversmith can produce a vessel;
5remove wicked officials from the king’s presence,
and his throne will be established through righteousness.
6Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence,
and do not claim a place among his great men;
7it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,”
than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.
What you have seen with your eyes
8do not bring#25:7,8 Or nobles / on whom you had set your eyes. / 8 Do not go hastily to court,
for what will you do in the end
if your neighbor puts you to shame?
9If you take your neighbor to court,
do not betray another’s confidence,
10or the one who hears it may shame you
and the charge against you will stand.
11Like apples#25:11 Or possibly apricots of gold in settings of silver
is a ruling rightly given.
12Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold
is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.
13Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time
is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him;
he refreshes the spirit of his master.
14Like clouds and wind without rain
is one who boasts of gifts never given.
15Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16If you find honey, eat just enough—
too much of it, and you will vomit.
17Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—
too much of you, and they will hate you.
18Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow
is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.
19Like a broken tooth or a lame foot
is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.
20Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,
or like vinegar poured on a wound,
is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
22In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the Lord will reward you.
23Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain
is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look.
24Better to live on a corner of the roof
than share a house 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
are the righteous who give way to the wicked.
27It is not good to eat too much honey,
nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.
28Like a city whose walls are broken through
is a person who lacks self-control.
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The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®
Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.
Proverbs 25
25
More Proverbs of Solomon
1These are more proverbs of Solomon, collected by the advisers of King Hezekiah of Judah.
2It is God’s privilege to conceal things
and the king’s privilege to discover them.
3No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth,
or all that goes on in the king’s mind!
4Remove the impurities from silver,
and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith.
5Remove the wicked from the king’s court,
and his reign will be made secure by justice.
6Don’t demand an audience with the king
or push for a place among the great.
7It’s better to wait for an invitation to the head table
than to be sent away in public disgrace.
Just because you’ve seen something,
8don’t be in a hurry to go to court.
For what will you do in the end
if your neighbor deals you a shameful defeat?
9When arguing with your neighbor,
don’t betray another person’s secret.
10Others may accuse you of gossip,
and you will never regain your good reputation.
11Timely advice is lovely,
like golden apples in a silver basket.
12To one who listens, valid criticism
is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.
13Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer.
They revive the spirit of their employer.
14A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it
is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.
15Patience can persuade a prince,
and soft speech can break bones.
16Do you like honey?
Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick!
17Don’t visit your neighbors too often,
or you will wear out your welcome.
18Telling lies about others
is as harmful as hitting them with an ax,
wounding them with a sword,
or shooting them with a sharp arrow.
19Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble
is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot.
20Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart
is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather
or pouring vinegar in a wound.#25:20 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads pouring vinegar on soda.
21If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat.
If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.
22You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads,
and the Lord will reward you.
23As surely as a north wind brings rain,
so a gossiping tongue causes anger!
24It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic
than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
25Good news from far away
is like cold water to the thirsty.
26If the godly give in to the wicked,
it’s like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring.
27It’s not good to eat too much honey,
and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself.
28A person without self-control
is like a city with broken-down walls.
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