25:1 These also are proverbs of Shlomo; the men of Hizkiyah king of Y’hudah copied them out:
25:2 God gets glory from concealing things; kings get glory from investigating things.
25:3 Like the sky for height or the earth for depth is the heart of kings — unfathomable.
25:4 Remove the impurities from the silver, and the smith has material to make a vessel.
25:5 Remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will rest firmly on righteousness.
25:6 Don’t put yourself forward in the king’s presence; don’t take a place among the great.
25:7 For it is better to be told, “Come up here,” than be degraded in the presence of a nobleman. What your eyes have seen,
25:8 don’t rush to present in a dispute. For what will you do later on, if your neighbor puts you to shame?
25:9 Discuss your dispute with your neighbor, but don’t reveal another person’s secrets.
25:10 If you do, and he hears of it, he will disgrace you, and your bad reputation will stick.
25:11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word appropriately spoken.
25:12 Like a gold earring, like a fine gold necklace is a wise reprover to a receptive ear.
25:13 Like the coldness of snow in the heat of the harvest is a faithful messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes his master’s spirit.
25:14 Like clouds and wind that bring no rain is he who boasts of gifts he never gives.
25:15 With patience a ruler may be won over, and a gentle tongue can break bones.
25:16 If you find honey, eat only what you need; for if you eat too much of it, you may throw it up;
25:17 so don’t visit your neighbor too much, or he may get his fill of you and come to hate you.
25:18 Like a club, a sword or a sharp arrow is a person who gives false testimony against a neighbor.
25:19 Relying on an untrustworthy person in a time of trouble is like [relying on] a broken tooth or an unsteady leg.
25:20 Like removing clothes on a chilly day or like vinegar on soda is someone who sings songs to a heavy heart.
25:21 If someone who hates you is hungry, give him food to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
25:22 For you will heap fiery coals [of shame] on his head, and Adonai will reward you.
25:23 The north wind brings rain and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
25:24 It is better to live on a corner of the roof than to share the house with a nagging wife.
25:25 Like cold water to a person faint from thirst is good news from a distant land.
25:26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous person who gives way before the wicked.
25:27 It isn’t good to eat too much honey or to seek honor after honor.
25:28 Like a city breached, without walls, is a person who lacks self-control.
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