Proverbs 25

Chapter 25

More Proverbs of Solomon

1 These are more proverbs of Solomon, collected by the advisers of King Hezekiah of Judah.
2 It is God’s privilege to conceal things
and the king’s privilege to discover them.3 No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth,
or all that goes on in the king’s mind!4 Remove the impurities from silver,
and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith.5 Remove the wicked from the king’s court,
and his reign will be made secure by justice.6 Don’t demand an audience with the king
or push for a place among the great.7 It’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,8 don’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?9 When arguing with your neighbor,
don’t betray another person’s secret.10 Others may accuse you of gossip,
and you will never regain your good reputation.11 Timely advice is lovely,
like golden apples in a silver basket.12 To one who listens, valid criticism
is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.13 Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer.
They revive the spirit of their employer.14 A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it
is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.15 Patience can persuade a prince,
and soft speech can break bones.16 Do you like honey?
Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick!17 Don’t visit your neighbors too often,
or you will wear out your welcome.18 Telling lies about others
is as harmful as hitting them with an ax,
wounding them with a sword,
or shooting them with a sharp arrow.19 Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble
is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot.20 Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart
is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather
or pouring vinegar in a wound.t21 If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat.
If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.22 You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads,
and the LORD will reward you.23 As surely as a north wind brings rain,
so a gossiping tongue causes anger!24 It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic
than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.25 Good news from far away
is like cold water to the thirsty.26 If the godly give in to the wicked,
it’s like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring.27 It’s not good to eat too much honey,
and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself.28 A person without self-control
is like a city with broken-down walls.

PROVERBS 25

More of //Solomon's Wise Sayings

1 Here are some more
of Solomon's proverbs.
They were copied by the officials
of King Hezekiah of Judah.

2 God is praised
for being mysterious;
rulers are praised
for explaining mysteries.

3 Who can fully understand
the thoughts of a ruler?
They reach beyond the sky
and go deep in the earth.

4 Silver must be purified
before it can be used
to make something of value.

5 Evil people must be removed
before anyone can rule
with justice.

6  t Don't try to seem important
in the court of a ruler.

7 It's better for the ruler
to give you a high position
than for you to be embarrassed
in front of royal officials.
Be sure you are right

8 before you sue someone,
or you might lose your case
and be embarrassed.

9 When you and someone else
can't get along,
don't gossip about it.t

10 Others will find out,
and your reputation
will then be ruined.

11 The right word
at the right time
is like precious gold
set in silver.

12 Listening to good advice
is worth much more
than jewelry made of gold.

13 A messenger you can trust
is just as refreshing
as cool water in summer.

14 Broken promises
are worse than rain clouds
that don't bring rain.

15 Patience and gentle talk
can convince a ruler
and overcome any problem.

16 Eating too much honey
can make you sick.

17 Don't visit friends too often,
or they will get tired of it
and start hating you.

18 Telling lies about friends
is like attacking them
with clubs and swords
and sharp arrows.

19 A friend you can't trust
in times of trouble
is like having a toothache
or a sore foot.

20 Singing to someone
in deep sorrow
is like pouring vinegar
in an open cut.t

21  t If your enemies are hungry,
give them something to eat.
And if they are thirsty,
give them something
to drink.

22 This will be the same
as piling burning coals
on their heads.
And the [Lord]
will reward you.

23 As surely as rain blows in
from the north,
anger is caused
by cruel words.

24 It's better to stay outside
on the roof of your house
than to live inside
with a nagging wife.

25 Good news from far away
refreshes like cold water
when you are thirsty.

26 When a good person gives in
to the wicked,
it's like dumping garbage
in a stream of clear water.

27 Don't eat too much honey
or always want praise.t

28 Losing self-control
leaves you as helpless
as a city without a wall.