25:1 These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
25:3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
25:4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there cometh forth a vessel for the refiner;
25:5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
25:6 Glorify not thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men;
25:7 For better is it that it be said unto thee: 'Come up hither', than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom thine eyes have seen.
25:8 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.
25:9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour, but reveal not the secret of another;
25:10 Lest he that heareth it revile thee, and thine infamy turn not away.
25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
25:12 As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to him that sendeth him; for he refresheth the soul of his master.
25:14 As vapours and wind without rain, so is he that boasteth himself of a false gift.
25:15 By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
25:16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
25:17 Let thy foot be seldom in thy neighbour's house; lest he be sated with thee, and hate thee.
25:18 As a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow, so is a man that beareth false witness against his neighbour.
25:19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
25:20 As one that taketh off a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.
25:21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink;
25:22 For thou wilt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord will reward thee.
25:23 The north wind bringeth forth rain, and a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.
25:24 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than in a house in common with a contentious woman.
25:25 As cold waters to a faint soul, so is good news from a far country.
25:26 As a troubled fountain, and a corrupted spring, so is a righteous man that giveth way before the wicked.
25:27 It is not good to eat much honey; so for men to search out their own glory is not glory.
25:28 Like a city broken down and without a wall, so is he whose spirit is without restraint.