1 These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah: |
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;
to search out a matter is the glory of kings. |
3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,
so the hearts of kings are unsearchable. |
4 Remove the dross from the silver,
and out comes material for1 25:4 Or comes a vessel from the silversmith; |
5 remove the wicked from the king's presence,
and his throne will be established through righteousness. |
6 Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence,
and do not claim a place among great men; |
7 it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here,"
than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman. |
8 do not bring2 25:7,8 Or nobleman / on whom you had set your eyes. / 8 Do not go hastily to court,
for what will you do in the end
if your neighbor puts you to shame? |
9 If you argue your case with a neighbor,
do not betray another man's confidence, |
10 or he who hears it may shame you
and you will never lose your bad reputation. |
11 A word aptly spoken
is like apples of gold in settings of silver. |
12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold
is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear. |
13 Like the coolness of snow at harvest time
is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him;
he refreshes the spirit of his masters. |
14 Like clouds and wind without rain
is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give. |
15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone. |
16 If you find honey, eat just enough-
too much of it, and you will vomit. |
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house-
too much of you, and he will hate you. |
18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow
is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor. |
19 Like a bad tooth or a lame foot
is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble. |
20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,
or like vinegar poured on soda,
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 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the LORD will reward you. |
23 As a north wind brings rain,
so a sly tongue brings angry looks. |
24 Better to live on a corner of the roof
than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. |
25 Like cold water to a weary soul
is good news from a distant land. |
26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted well
is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked. |
27 It is not good to eat too much honey,
nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor. |
28 Like a city whose walls are broken down
is a man who lacks self-control. |
