Proverbs 25

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More Proverbs of Solomon

1 These are additional proverbs of Solomon, which were copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:

2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out.

3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings cannot be searched.

4 Remove the dross from the silver, and a vessel for a silversmith will come forth.

5 Remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

6 Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men;

7 for it is better to be told, “Come up here!” than to be demoted in the presence of the prince. Even what ^[a] you have seen with your own eyes,

8 do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame?

9 Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence,

10 lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your infamy never go away.

11 A word fitly 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 cold of snow in the time of harvest is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.

14 Like clouds and wind without rain is the man who boasts of gifts never given.

15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

16 If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up.

17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, lest he grow weary and hate you.

18 Like a club or sword or sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.

19 Like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble.

20 Like one who removes a garment on a cold day or vinegar poured on a wound ^[b] is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

22 For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, ^[c] and the LORD will reward you.

23 As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.

24 Better to live on a corner of the roof than to 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 or to search out one’s own glory.

28 Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper.

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Proverbs 25 Commentary

Chapter 25

Verses 1-3 God needs not search into any thing; nothing can be hid from him. But it is the honour of rulers to search out matters, ( proverbs 25:4-5 ) to suppress vice, and reform his people, is the best way to ( proverbs 25:6-7 ) self-denial. He who has seen the glory of the Lord in Christ Jesus, will feel his own unworthiness. ( 8-10 ) . To be hasty in beginning strife, will bring into difficulties. War must at length end, and might better be prevented. It is so in private ( proverbs 25:11-12 ) word of counsel, or reproof, rightly spoken, is especially beautiful, as fine fruit becomes still more beautiful in silver baskets. Verse 13 . See what ought to be the aim of him that is trusted with any business; to be faithful. A faithful minister, Christ's messenger, should be thus acceptable to us. Verse 14 . He who pretends to have received or given that which he never had, is like the morning cloud, that disappoints those who look for rain. Verse 15 . Be patient to bear a present hurt. Be mild to speak without passion; for persuasive language is the most effectual to prevail over the hardened mind. Verse 16 . God has given us leave to use grateful things, but we are cautioned against excess. Verse 17 . We cannot be upon good terms with our neighbours, without discretion as well as sincerity. How much better a Friend is God than any other friend! The oftener we come to him, the more welcome. Verse 18 . A false testimony is dangerous in every thing. Verse 19 . Confidence in an unfaithful man is painful and vexatious; when we put any stress on him, he not only fails, but makes us feel for it. Verse 20 . We take a wrong course if we think to relieve those in sorrow by endeavoring to make them merry. (proverbs 25:21-22 ) The precept to love even our enemies is an Old Testament commandment. Our Saviour has shown his own great example in loving us when we were enemies. Verse 23 . Slanders would not be so readily spoken, if they were not readily heard. Sin, if it receives any check, becomes cowardly. Verse 24 . It is better to be alone, than to be joined to one who is a hinderance to the comfort of life. Verse 25 . Heaven is a country afar off; how refreshing is good news from thence, in the everlasting gospel, which signifies glad tidings, and in the witness of the Spirit with our spirits that we are God's children! Verse 26 . When the righteous are led into sin, it is as hurtful as if the public fountains were poisoned. Verse 27 . We must be, through grace, dead to the pleasures of sense, and also to the praises of men. Verse 28 . The man who has no command over his anger, is easily robbed of peace. Let us give up ourselves to the Lord, and pray him to put his Spirit within us, and cause us to walk in his statutes.