LEB - Proverbs - 25

25:1  These are also proverbs of Solomon which officials of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:

25:2  The glory of God conceals things, but the glory of kings searches out things.

25:3  As heaven is to height and the earth is to depth, so is the heart of kings—there is no searching.

25:4  Remove the dross from silver, and it will become a vessel for the smith.

25:5  Remove the wicked before a king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

25:6  Do not promote yourself before the king, and in the place of the great ones do not stand.

25:7  For it is better that he say to you, “Ascend here,” than he humble you before a noble. What your eyes have seen,

25:8  do not hastily bring out to court, for what will you do at its end, when your neighbor puts you to shame?

25:9  Argue your argument with your neighbor himself, the secret of another do not disclose,

25:10  lest he who hears shame you and your ill repute will not end.

25:11  Apples of gold in a setting of silver is a matter spoken at its proper time.

25:12  A ring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a rebuke of the wise to the ear of a listener.

25:13  Like the cold of snow on a day of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him, and the soul of his master is refreshed.

25:14  Like clouds and wind when there is no rain, so too is a man who boasts in a gift of deception.

25:15  ⌞With patience⌟ a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.

25:16  If you find honey, eat what is sufficient for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it out.

25:17  Make your foot scarce in the house of your neighbor, lest he become weary of you and hate you.

25:18  Like a club and sword and a sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.

25:19  A bad tooth and a lame foot is the trust of a faithless person ⌞in a time⌟ of trouble.

25:20  Like one who removes a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on natron, is he who sings songs to a heavy heart.

25:21  If your enemy is hungry, feed him bread, and if thirsty, let him drink water.

25:22  For coals of fire you will heap upon his head, and Yahweh will reward you.

25:23  The wind of the north produces rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry faces.

25:24  Better to live upon the corner of a roof than with a woman of contention and in a shared house.

25:25  Like cold water upon a weary soul, so too is good news from a distant place.

25:26  Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is the righteous who gives way before the wicked.

25:27  To eat much honey is not good, nor is seeking one’s honor honorable.

25:28  A breached city where there is no wall is like a man who ⌞has no⌟ self-control for his spirit.