25:1 These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied 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 out comes material for the silversmith;

25:5 remove the wicked 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 great men;

25:7 it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here," than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman. 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?

25:9 If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man's confidence,

25:10 or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation.

25:11 A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

25:12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear.

25:13 Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters.

25:14 Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.

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 he will hate you.

25:18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor.

25:19 Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.

25:20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, 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 As a north wind brings rain, so a sly tongue brings angry looks.

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 is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked.

25:27 It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.

25:28 Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.