Proverbs 25

1These are more sayings of Solomon, which the officials of King Hezekiah of Judah copied down.

2It is the glory of God to hide a matter, but the glory of kings is to search it out.

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

4Remove the impurities from silver, and a craftsman can shape it into a vessel.

5Remove wicked advisers from the king's presence, and the king's throne will be made secure through righteousness.

6Do not push yourself forward in the king's presence, and do not stand in the place of important people,

7Because it is better for the king to say, 'Come up here!' than to demote you in front of a noble person.

8Do not rush into a lawsuit, because what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?

9Argue your case with your neighbor directly, and do not reveal another person's secret,

10Or whoever hears it may shame you, and your bad reputation will never go away.

11A word spoken at the right time is like golden apples arranged in silver settings.

12Like a gold earring or a fine gold ornament is a wise correction to a listening ear.

13Like the coolness of snow at harvest time, a trustworthy messenger refreshes the spirit of the leader who sent that messenger.

14Whoever boasts about a gift never given is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.

15Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and gentle speech can break down strong resistance.

16If you find honey, eat only what you need, or you will eat too much and vomit.

17Rarely set foot in your neighbor's house, or your neighbor will get tired of you and come to hate you.

18Whoever gives false testimony against a neighbor is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.

19Trusting an unfaithful person in a time of trouble is like a broken tooth or a foot that slips.

20Like taking away a coat on a freezing day, or pouring vinegar on baking soda, so is singing happy songs to a sad heart.

21If your enemy is hungry, give your enemy bread to eat, and if your enemy is thirsty, give your enemy water to drink,

22Because you will heap burning coals on your enemy's head, and the LORD will reward you.

23Just as the north wind brings rain, a gossiping tongue brings angry looks.

24Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

25Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.

26Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous person who gives way before the wicked.

27It is not good to eat too much honey, and it is not good to seek honor for yourself.

28Whoever cannot control their own temper is like a city with its protective walls broken down.