Proverbs 25

Further Wise Sayings of Solomon

1 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied: These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:2  It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.3  As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable.4 Take away the dross from silver, And it will go to the silversmith for jewelry.5 Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness.6 Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of the great;7 For it is better that he say to you, Come up here, Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen.8 Do not go hastily to court; For what will you do in the end, When your neighbor has put you to shame?9 Debate your case with your neighbor, And do not disclose the secret to another;10 Lest he who hears it expose your shame, And your reputation be ruined.11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.12  Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.13 Like the cold of snow in time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters.14 Whoever falsely boasts of giving Is like clouds and wind without rain.15 By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.16 Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Lest you be filled with it and vomit.17 Seldom set foot in your neighbors house, Lest he become weary of you and hate you.18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor Is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.20  Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, And like vinegar on soda, Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;22 For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the Lord will reward you.23 The north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.24  It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.25  As cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a far country.26 A righteous man who falters before the wicked Is like a murky spring and a polluted well.27  It is not good to eat much honey; So to seek ones own glory is not glory.28 Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without 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.