Proverbs 25
1These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. 1
2It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: 1 But the honour of kings is to search out a matter. 1
3The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, 1 And the heart of kings is unsearchable. 1
4Take away the dross from the silver, 1 And there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. 1
5Take away the wicked from before the king, 1 And his throne shall be established in righteousness. 1
6Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, 1 And stand not in the place of great men: 1
7For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; 1 Than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince 1 Whom thine eyes have seen. 1
8Go not forth hastily to strive, 1 Lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, 1 When thy neighbour hath put thee to shame. 1
9Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; 1 And discover not a secret to another: 1
10Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, 1 And thine infamy turn not away. 1
11A word fitly spoken 1 Is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. 1
12As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, 1 So is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. 1
13As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, 1 So is a faithful messenger to them that send him: 1 For he refresheth the soul of his masters. 1
14Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift 1 Is like clouds and wind without rain. 1
15By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, 1 And a soft tongue breaketh the bone. 1
16Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, 1 Lest thou be filled there with, and vomit it. 1
17Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; 1 Lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee. 1
18A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour 1 Is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow. 1
19Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble 1 Is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. 1
20As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, 1 And as vinegar upon nitre, 1 So is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart. 1
21If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; 1 And if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: 1
22For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, 1 And the Lord shall reward thee. 1
23The north wind driveth away rain: 1 So doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. 1
24It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, 1 Than with a brawling woman and in a wide house. 1
25As cold waters to a thirsty soul, 1 So is good news from a far country. 1
26A righteous man falling down before the wicked 1 Is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring. 1
27It is not good to eat much honey: 1 So for men to search their own glory is not glory. 1
28He that hath no rule over his own spirit 1 Is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.