Proverbs 25

1 These are the miscellaneous instructions of Solomon that the friends of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

2 God’s glory conceals a matter, but a king’s glory honors affairs.

3 Heaven is high, earth is deep, and a king’s heart cannot be examined.

4 Beat impure silver, and it will be purified completely.

5 Kill the ungodly from before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

6 Do not boast before a king or stand in the places of rulers,

7 for it is better to be told, “Come up to me,” than to be humbled before a ruler. Speak about what your eyes have seen.

8 Do not rush into a quarrel, or you may regret it in the end. When your friend reproaches you,

9 step back; do not despise him,

10 or your friend may continue reproaching you, and your quarrel and hostility will not leave but will become like death to you. Favor and friendship bring freedom; preserve them for yourself so that you do not become a reproach, and guard your ways peaceably.

11 Like a golden apple in a necklace of carnelian is a well-spoken word.

12 Like costly carnelian set in a gold earring is a wise word in an obedient ear.

13 Like a fall of snow that brings relief from the heat at harvest is a faithful messenger to those who sent him, for he refreshes the souls of those he serves.

14 Like winds, clouds, and rains that are plainly visible are those who boast about a false gift.

15 Patience brings prosperity to kings, and a gentle tongue breaks bones.

16 If you find honey, eat only enough, or you may become full and vomit it.

17 Let your foot enter your friend’s house rarely, or he may become tired of you and hate you.

18 Like a club, a sword, and a pointed arrow is a person who gives false testimony against his friend.

19 An evil person’s tooth and a lawbreaker’s foot will perish on an evil day.

20 Like vinegar, which is harmful to a wound, is suffering that strikes the body and grieves the heart. Like a moth in clothing and a worm in wood, a person’s sorrow harms the heart.

21 If your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink,

22 for by doing this you will heap fiery coals on his head, and the Lord will repay you with good things.

23 The north wind raises clouds, and a shameless face provokes the tongue.

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

25 Like cold water that pleases a thirsty soul is good news from a distant land.

26 Like someone blocking a spring and ruining its outlet is the disgrace of a righteous person falling before an ungodly one.

27 It is not good to eat too much honey, but glorious sayings should be honored.

28 Like a city whose walls have been torn down and left undefended is a person who acts without counsel.