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