JPS - Proverbs - 25

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 G-d 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 HaShem 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.