Proverbs 25

1 These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah.⋮

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

3 Like the heavens are for height and the earth is for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.⋮

4 Remove the dross from the silver and a metal worker can use the silver in his craft.⋮

5 Even so, remove wicked people from the presence of the king and his throne will be established by doing what is right.⋮

6 Do not honor yourself in the king's presence and do not stand in the place designated for great people.⋮

7 It is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman. What you have witnessed,⋮

8 do not bring quickly to trial. For what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame?⋮

9 Argue your case between you and your neighbor himself and do not disclose another's secret,⋮

10 or else the one who hears you will bring shame upon you and an evil report about you that cannot be silenced.⋮

11 Apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in the right situation.⋮

12 A gold ring or jewelry made of fine gold is a wise rebuke to a listening ear.⋮

13 Like the cold of snow at harvest time is a faithful messenger for those who sent him; he brings back the life of his masters.⋮

14 Clouds and wind without rain is the one who boasts about a gift he does not give.⋮

15 With patience a ruler can be persuaded and a soft tongue can break a bone.⋮

16 If you find honey, eat just enough— otherwise, having too much of it, you vomit it up.⋮

17 Do not set your foot in your neighbor's house too often, he may become tired of you and hate you.⋮

18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a club used in war, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.⋮

19 An unfaithful man in whom you trust in a time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.⋮

20 Like a person who takes off a garment in cold weather, or like vinegar poured upon carbonate of soda, is the one who sings songs to a heavy heart.⋮

21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,⋮

22 for you will shovel coals of fire on his head and Yahweh will reward you.⋮

23 As surely as the north wind brings rain, so a tongue that tells secrets will result in angry faces.⋮

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

25 Like cold waters to one who is thirsty, so is good news from a far country.⋮

26 Like a fouled spring or a ruined fountain is a righteous person tottering before wicked people.⋮

27 It is not good to eat too much honey; that is like searching for honor after honor.⋮

28 A person without self-control is like a city breached and without walls.⋮