Proverbs 25:1-28
1 These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;
to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,
so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
4 Remove the dross from the silver,
and a silversmith can produce a vessel;
5 remove wicked officials from the king’s presence,
and his throne will be established through righteousness.
6 Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence,
and do not claim a place among his great men;
7 it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,”
than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.
What you have seen with your eyes
8 do not bring hastily to court,
for what will you do in the end
if your neighbor puts you to shame?
9 If you take your neighbor to court,
do not betray another’s confidence,
10 or the one who hears it may shame you
and the charge against you will stand.
11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver
is a ruling rightly given.
12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold
is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.
13 Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time
is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him;
he refreshes the spirit of his master.
14 Like clouds and wind without rain
is one who boasts of gifts never given.
15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16 If you find honey, eat just enough—
too much of it, and you will vomit.
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—
too much of you, and they will hate you.
18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow
is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.
19 Like a broken tooth or a lame foot
is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.
20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,
or like vinegar poured on a wound,
is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the Lord will reward you.
23 Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain
is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look.
24 Better to live on a corner of the roof
than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
25 Like cold water to a weary soul
is good news from a distant land.
26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted well
are the righteous who give way to the wicked.
27 It is not good to eat too much honey,
nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.
28 Like a city whose walls are broken through
is a person who lacks self-control.
The King of Judah sought out the Proverbs of Solomon...Searching out things and making decisions are for kings, for God Alone knows all things and does not need to search for answers of questions...Evil people and evil officials are a problem for nations...Let God keep all nations in righteousness...Let us be modest and humble in all things we do and in all those we meet, even those of leaders, kings and presidents...Work matters out with your neighbors, even though some can be very tough...Settle things as quickly as you can with them, because they can fester if they lengthen in time...Listen to people and see what you learn...Listen intently to them...Be a faithful servant, because the faithful servant refreshes his master...Like rain clouds that pass without rain, do not speak of generosity not given...Soft words and patience helps people more than impatience and harsh words...Do all things in moderation, because Solomon says if you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit...See your neighbors in moderation, also, because they can become weary of you...Do not give false testimony of your neighbor...Help him when he needs that extra garment to keep warm...Be faith and confident in God in your times of troubles and worries and grief...Speak to your neighbors with a soft tongue and not a sly one...Love your spouse and pray for them when troubled or troubled by them...Good news is just that...Good news makes you feel good, while bad news pollutes the feelings...When we lose our self control, and also when we are angered, we are easily swayed by evil...So do your best to be self controlled and patient with yourself and others...