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Proverbs 25 (NIV)

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¹ These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah: ² It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. ³ As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable. ⁴ Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for the silversmith; ⁵ remove the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness. ⁶ Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence, and do not claim a place among great men; 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 ⁸ do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame? ⁹ If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man's confidence, ¹⁰ or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation. ¹¹ A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. ¹² Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear. 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. ¹⁴ Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give. ¹⁵ Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. ¹⁶ If you find honey, eat just enough-- too much of it, and you will vomit. ¹⁷ Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house-- too much of you, and he will hate you. ¹⁸ Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor. ¹⁹ Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble. 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. ²¹ If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. ²² In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. ²³ As a north wind brings rain, so a sly tongue brings angry looks. ²⁴ Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. ²⁵ Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. ²⁶ Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked. ²⁷ It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor. ²⁸ Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.