Chapter 25
1 These also are proverbs of Solomon , which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out .
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing , but the glory of kings is to search out a matter .
3 As the heavens for height , and the earth for depth , so the hearts of kings are unsearchable .
4 Take away the dross from the silver , and material comes out for the refiner .
5 Take away the wicked from the king ’s presence , and his throne will be established in righteousness .
6 Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king , or claim a place amongst great men ;
7 for it is better that it be said to you , " Come up here ," than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince , whom your eyes have seen .
8 Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court . What will you do in the end when your neighbour shames you ?
9 Debate your case with your neighbour , and don’t betray the confidence of another ,
10 lest one who hears it put you to shame , and your bad reputation never depart.
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver .
12 As an earring of gold , and an ornament of fine gold , so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear .
13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest , so is a faithful messenger to those who send him ; for he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14 As clouds and wind without rain , so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.
15 By patience a ruler is persuaded . A soft tongue breaks the bone .
16 Have you found honey ? Eat as much as is sufficient for you , lest you eat too much , and vomit it .
17 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbour ’s house , lest he be weary of you , and hate you .
18 A man who gives false testimony against his neighbour is like a club , a sword , or a sharp arrow .
19 Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a lame foot .
20 As one who takes away a garment in cold weather , or vinegar on soda , so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart .
21 If your enemy is hungry , give him food to eat . If he is thirsty , give him water to drink ;
22 for you will heap coals of fire on his head , and the LORD will reward you .
23 The north wind produces rain ; so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face .
24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman .
25 Like cold water to a thirsty soul , so is good news from a far country.
26 Like a muddied spring and a polluted well , so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked .
27 It is not good to eat much honey , nor is it honourable to seek one ’s own honour .
28 Like a city that is broken down and without walls is a man whose spirit is without restraint.