Proverbs 25 (New International Version)

More Proverbs of Solomon

1 These are more proverbs¹ of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:² 2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.³ 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 for^a the silversmith; 5 remove the wicked from the king's presence,⁴ and his throne will be established⁵ through righteousness.⁶ 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,"⁷ than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman. What you have seen with your eyes 8 do not bring^b hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?⁸ 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.⁹ 12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear.¹⁰ 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.¹¹ 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,¹² and a gentle tongue can break a bone.¹³ 16 If you find honey, eat just enough-- too much of it, and you will vomit.¹⁴ 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.¹⁵ 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 coals¹⁶ on his head, and the LORD will reward you.¹⁷ 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.¹⁸ 25 Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.¹⁹ 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,²⁰ nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.²¹ 28 Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.