Proverbs 25:4-14

4 Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel;

5 remove wicked officials 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 his great men;

7 it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before his nobles. What you have seen with your eyes

8 do not bring^[a] hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?

9 If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence,

10 or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand.

11 Like apples^[b] of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.

12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.

13 Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master.

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

Cross References

• 1. S Proverbs 20:8
• 2. S 2 Samuel 7:13
• 3. S Proverbs 16:12; Proverbs 29:14
• 4. Luke 14:7-10
• 5. Matthew 5:25-26
• 6. ver 12; Proverbs 15:23
• 7. S ver 11; Psalms 141:5; S Proverbs 13:18; Proverbs 15:31
• 8. S Proverbs 10:26; Proverbs 13:17

Footnotes

• [a] Or "nobles " / "on whom you had set your eyes. " / 8"Do not go"
• [b] Or possibly "apricots"