AB - Proverbs - 25

25:1  These are the proverbs of Solomon, which the friends of Hezekiah king of Judea transcribed.

25:2  The glory of God conceals a matter, but the glory of a king honors business.

25:3  Heaven is high, and earth is deep, and a king's heart is unsearchable.

25:4  Beat the drossy silver, and it shall be made entirely pure.

25:5  Slay the ungodly from before the king, and his throne shall prosper in righteousness.

25:6  Be not boastful in the presence of the king, and remain not in the places of princes;

25:7  for it is better for you that it should be said, Come up to me, than that one should humble you in the presence of the prince; speak of that which your eyes have seen.

25:8  Get not suddenly into a quarrel, lest you repent at last.

25:9  Whenever your friend shall reproach you, retreat backward, despise him not;

25:10  lest your friend continue to reproach you, so your quarrel and enmity shall not depart, but shall be to you like death. Favor and friendship set a man free, which you shall keep for yourself, lest you be made liable to reproach; but take heed to your ways peaceably.

25:11  As a golden apple in a necklace of sardius, so is it to speak a wise word.

25:12  In an earring of gold a precious sardius is also set; so is a wise word to an obedient ear.

25:13  As a fall of snow in the time of harvest is good against heat, so a faithful messenger refreshes those that send him; for he helps the souls of his employers.

25:14  As winds and clouds and rains are most evident objects, so is he that boasts of a false gift.

25:15  In long suffering is prosperity to kings, and a soft tongue breaks the bones.

25:16  Having found honey, eat only what is enough, lest haply you be filled, and vomit it up.

25:17  Enter sparingly into your friend's house, lest he be wearied with your company, and hate you.

25:18  As a club, and a dagger, and a pointed arrow, so also is a man who bears false witness against his friend.

25:19  The way of the wicked and the foot of the transgressor shall perish in an evil day.

25:20  As vinegar is bad for a sore, so trouble befalling the body afflicts the heart. As a moth in a garment, and a worm in wood, so the grief of a man hurts the heart.

25:21  If your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him drink;

25:22  for so doing you shall heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward you with good.

25:23  The north wind raises clouds; so an impudent face provokes the tongue.

25:24  It is better to dwell on a corner of the roof, than with a railing woman in an open house.

25:25  As cold water is agreeable to a thirsting soul, so is a good message from a land far off.

25:26  As if one should stop a well, and corrupt a spring of water, so is it unseemly for a righteous man to fall before an ungodly man.

25:27  It is not good to eat much honey, but it is right to honor venerable sayings.

25:28  As a city whose walls are broken down, and which is unfortified, so is a man who does anything without counsel.