Proverbs 25

More Proverbs of Solomon

^{verse 1}These are additional proverbs of Solomon, which were copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:

^{verse 2}It is the glory of God to conceal a matter

and the glory of kings to search it out.

^{verse 3}As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,

so the hearts of kings cannot be searched.

^{verse 4}Remove the dross from the silver,

and a vessel for a silversmith will come forth.

^{verse 5}Remove the wicked from the king’s presence,

and his throne will be established in righteousness.

^{verse 6}Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king,

and do not stand in the place of great men;

^{verse 7}for it is better to be told, “Come up here!”

than to be demoted in the presence of the prince.

Even what^a you have seen with your own eyes,

^{verse 8}do not bring hastily to court.

Otherwise, what will you do in the end

when your neighbor puts you to shame?

^{verse 9}Argue your case with your neighbor

without betraying another’s confidence,

^{verse 10}lest he who hears you bring shame upon you,

and your infamy never go away.

^{verse 11}A word fitly spoken

is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

^{verse 12}Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold

is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.

^{verse 13}Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest

is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him;

he refreshes the soul of his masters.

^{verse 14}Like clouds and wind without rain

is the man who boasts of gifts never given.

^{verse 15}Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,

and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

^{verse 16}If you find honey, eat just what you need,

lest you have too much and vomit it up.

^{verse 17}Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house,

lest he grow weary and hate you.

^{verse 18}Like a club or sword or sharp arrow

is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.

^{verse 19}Like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint

is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble.

^{verse 20}Like one who removes a garment on a cold day

or vinegar poured on a wound^b

is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

^{verse 21}If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat,

and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

^{verse 22}For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head,^c

and the LORD will reward you.

^{verse 23}As the north wind brings forth rain,

so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.

^{verse 24}Better to live on a corner of the roof

than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

^{verse 25}Like cold water to a weary soul

is good news from a distant land.

^{verse 26}Like a muddied spring or a polluted well

is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked.

^{verse 27}It is not good to eat too much honey

or to search out one’s own glory.

^{verse 28}Like a city whose walls are broken down

is a man who does not control his temper.