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 out a matter.

3As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings cannot be searched out.

4Remove the dross from the silver, and a vessel comes out for the refiner.

5Remove the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

6Do not promote yourself before a king, 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 before a noble whom your eyes have seen.

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

9Argue your case with your neighbor, and do not reveal another person's secret.

10lest one who hears it shame you, and your bad reputation never leaves you.

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

12Like a gold ring and an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

13Like the coolness of snow on a harvest day is a faithful messenger to those who send him, and he refreshes his masters.

14Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.

15With patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue breaks a bone.

16If you find honey, eat only enough for you, lest you become full of it and vomit it.

17Do not visit your neighbor’s house too often, or he may have his fill of you and hate you.

18A club, a sword, and a sharp arrow—such is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.

19Trusting a treacherous man in a time of trouble is like a bad tooth and an unsteady foot.

20Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on alkali, is one who sings songs to a troubled heart.

21If your enemy is hungry, feed him bread, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

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

23The north wind brings forth rain, and a secret tongue brings forth an angry face.

24It is better to live on a corner of the roof than with a quarrelsome wife in a shared house.

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

26Like a muddied spring and a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

27To eat much honey is not good, and to search out their glory is glory.

28A man who has no restraint over his spirit is like a city breached, without a wall.