25:1 These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:
25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
25:3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
25:4 Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel;
25:5 remove wicked officials from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness.
25:6 Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men;
25:7 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
25:8 do not bring* hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame? / *Or nobles / on whom you had set your eyes. / 8 Do not go
25:9 If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence,
25:10 or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand.
25:11 Like apples* of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given. / *Or possibly apricots
25:12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.
25:13 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.
25:14 Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given.
25:15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
25:16 If you find honey, eat just enough - too much of it, and you will vomit.
25:17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house - too much of you, and they will hate you.
25:18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.
25:19 Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.
25:20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
25:21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
25:22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
25:23 Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain is a sly tongue - which provokes a horrified look.
25:24 Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
25:25 Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.
25:26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.
25:27 It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.
25:28 Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.