Proverbs 25:20-28

20 Like vinegar on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. Like a moth in clothing or a worm in wood, sorrow gnaws at the human heart.

21 If your enemies are hungry, give them bread to eat; and if they are thirsty, give them water to drink;

22 for you will heap coals of fire on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.

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

24 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a contentious wife.

25 Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain are the righteous who give way before the wicked.

27 It is not good to eat much honey, or to seek honor on top of honor.

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

Footnotes

• [a] Gk: Heb [Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, like vinegar on lye]
• [b] Gk Syr Tg: Heb lacks [Like a moth . . . human heart]