Proverbs 25:8-15

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.

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

Proverbs 25:8 in Other Translations

8 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

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

8 don’t be in a hurry to go to court. For what will you do in the end if your neighbor deals you a shameful defeat?

8 Don't jump to conclusions - there may be a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw.

8 Don't take a matter to court hastily. Otherwise, what will you do afterwards if your opponent humiliates you?

Proverbs 25:8-15 In-Context

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 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 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.

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

16 If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit.

17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house— too much of you, and they will hate you.

Cross References

• 1. Matthew 5:25-26
• 2. ver 12; Proverbs 15:23
• 3. S ver 11; Psalms 141:5; S Proverbs 13:18; Proverbs 15:31
• 4. S Proverbs 10:26; Proverbs 13:17
• 5. Ecclesiastes 10:4
• 6. Proverbs 15:1

Footnotes

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