Proverbs 25

1. These also are proverbs of Shlomo; the men of Hizkiyah king of Y’hudah copied them out:

2. God gets glory from concealing things; 2 kings get glory from investigating things.

3. Like the sky for height or the earth for depth 3 is the heart of kings — unfathomable.

4. Remove the impurities from the silver, 4 and the smith has material to make a vessel.

5. Remove the wicked from the king’s presence, 5 and his throne will rest firmly on righteousness.

6. Don’t put yourself forward in the king’s presence; 6 don’t take a place among the great.

7. For it is better to be told, “Come up here,” 7 than be degraded in the presence of a nobleman. 7 What your eyes have seen,

8. don’t rush to present in a dispute. 8 For what will you do later on, 8 if your neighbor puts you to shame?

9. Discuss your dispute with your neighbor, 9 but don’t reveal another person’s secrets.

10. If you do, and he hears of it, he will disgrace you, 10 and your bad reputation will stick.

11. Like apples of gold in settings of silver 11 is a word appropriately spoken.

12. Like a gold earring, like a fine gold necklace 12 is a wise reprover to a receptive ear.

13. Like the coldness of snow in the heat of the harvest 13 is a faithful messenger to the one who sends him; 13 he refreshes his master’s spirit.

14. Like clouds and wind that bring no rain 14 is he who boasts of gifts he never gives.

15. With patience a ruler may be won over, 15 and a gentle tongue can break bones.

16. If you find honey, eat only what you need; 16 for if you eat too much of it, you may throw it up;

17. so don’t visit your neighbor too much, 17 or he may get his fill of you and come to hate you.

18. Like a club, a sword or a sharp arrow 18 is a person who gives false testimony against a neighbor.

19. Relying on an untrustworthy person in a time of trouble 19 is like [relying on] a broken tooth or an unsteady leg.

20. Like removing clothes on a chilly day or like vinegar on soda 20 is someone who sings songs to a heavy heart.

21. If someone who hates you is hungry, give him food to eat; 21 and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

22. For you will heap fiery coals [of shame] on his head, 22 and Adonai will reward you.

23. The north wind brings rain 23 and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

24. It is better to live on a corner of the roof 24 than to share the house with a nagging wife.

25. Like cold water to a person faint from thirst 25 is good news from a distant land.

26. Like a muddied spring or a polluted well 26 is a righteous person who gives way before the wicked.

27. It isn’t good to eat too much honey 27 or to seek honor after honor.

28. Like a city breached, without walls, 28 is a person who lacks self-control.