Proverbs 25:4-14

4 Remove the impurities from the silver, and the smith has material to make a vessel.
5 Remove the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will rest firmly on righteousness.
6 Don't put yourself forward in the king's presence; don't take a place among the great.
7 For it is better to be told, "Come up here,"than be degraded in the presence of a nobleman. What your eyes have seen,
8 don't rush to present in a dispute. For what will you do later on, if your neighbor puts you to shame?
9 Discuss your dispute with your neighbor, but don't reveal another person's secrets.
10 If you do, and he hears of it, he will disgrace you, and your bad reputation will stick.
11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word appropriately spoken.
12 Like a gold earring, like a fine gold necklace is a wise reprover to a receptive ear.
13 Like the coldness of snow in the heat of the harvest is a faithful messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes his master's spirit.
14 Like clouds and wind that bring no rain is he who boasts of gifts he never gives.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.