NRSV Proverbs 25 Chapter
25:1
These are other proverbs of Solomon that the officials of King Hezekiah of Judah copied.
25:2
It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.
25:3
Like the heavens for height, like the earth for depth, so the mind of kings is unsearchable.
25:4
Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel;
25:5
take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
25:6
Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence or stand in the place of the great;
25:7
for it is better to be told, "Come up here," than to be put lower in the presence of a noble. What your eyes have seen
25:8
do not hastily bring into court; for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame?
25:9
Argue your case with your neighbor directly, and do not disclose another's secret;
25:10
or else someone who hears you will bring shame upon you, and your ill repute will have no end.
25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
25:12
Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise rebuke to a listening ear.
25:13
Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest are faithful messengers to those who send them; they refresh the spirit of their masters.
25:14
Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of a gift never given.
25:15
With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue can break bones.
25:16
If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, or else, having too much, you will vomit it.
25:17
Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house, otherwise the neighbor will become weary of you and hate you.
25:18
Like a war club, a sword, or a sharp arrow is one who bears false witness against a neighbor.
25:19
Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is trust in a faithless person in time of trouble.
25:20
Like vinegar on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. Like a moth in clothing or a worm in wood, sorrow gnaws at the human heart.
25:21
If your enemies are hungry, give them bread to eat; and if they are thirsty, give them water to drink;
25:22
for you will heap coals of fire on their heads, and the LORD will reward you.
25:23
The north wind produces rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
25:24
It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a contentious wife.
25:25
Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
25:26
Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain are the righteous who give way before the wicked.
25:27
It is not good to eat much honey, or to seek honor on top of honor.
25:28
Like a city breached, without walls, is one who lacks self-control.