Proverbs 25
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out
The Proverbs of Solomon Are Collected by Hezekiah's Men
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It is the glory of God to conceal a thing,but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
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As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
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Take away the dross from the silver,and material comes out for the refiner;
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Take away the wicked from the king's presence,and his throne will be established in righteousness.
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Don't exalt yourself in the presence of the king,or claim a place among great men;
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for it is better that it be said to you, "Come up here,"than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince,whom your eyes have seen.
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Don't be hasty in bringing charges to court.What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?
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Debate your case with your neighbor,and don't betray the confidence of another;
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lest one who hears it put you to shame,and your bad reputation never depart.
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A word fitly spokenis like apples of gold in settings of silver.
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As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold,so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.
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As clouds and wind without rain,so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.
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By patience a ruler is persuaded.A soft tongue breaks the bone.
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Have you found honey?Eat as much as is sufficient for you,lest you eat too much, and vomit it.
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Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house,lest he be weary of you, and hate you.
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A man who gives false testimony against his neighboris like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.
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Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of troubleis like a bad tooth, or a lame foot.
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If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat.If he is thirsty, give him water to drink:
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for you will heap coals of fire on his head,and the LORD will reward you.
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The north wind produces rain;so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.
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Like cold water to a thirsty soul,so is good news from a far country.
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Like a muddied spring, and a polluted well,so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
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It is not good to eat much honey;nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.
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Like a city that is broken down and without wallsis a man whose spirit is without restraint.
Pr 25:1-28.
1. The character of these proverbs sustains the title (see Introduction).
also--refers to the former part of the book.
copied out--literally, "transferred," that is, from some other book to this; not given from memory.