Proverbs of Solomon 25 Other proverbs of Solomon, which were collected in the days of King Hezekiah

 Proverbs of Solomon 25

Other proverbs of Solomon, which were collected in the days of King Hezekiah

1 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied down.

2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out everything.

3 For heaven above, and earth beneath, and the heart of kings, there is no searching.

4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the refiner.

5 Remove the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.

6 Do not boast in the presence of the king, nor stand in the place of great men.

7 For it is better that they say to you, 'Come up here,' than that you should be humbled before the prince whom your eyes have seen. 

8 Do not be hasty in your argument, lest in the end you not know what to do, and your neighbor may confound you.

9 Plead your case with your neighbor himself, and do not discover another's secret.

10 Lest he who hears it dishonor you, and infamy will not depart from you.

11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word fitly spoken.

12 Like earrings of gold and ornaments of fine gold is a wise rebuke to a listening ear.

13 Like the coldness of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the souls of his masters.

14 Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts falsely of gifts.

15 By patience a ruler is persuaded, and a soft tongue breaks the bones. 

16 Have you found honey? Eat enough for yourself, lest you be filled with it and vomit it out.

17 Keep your foot away from your neighbor's house, lest he become weary of you and hate you.

18 A hammer, a sword, and a sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.

19 Like a broken tooth or a sprained foot is the confidence of a faithless person in a time of trouble.

20 Like one who takes off his clothes on a cold day is one who sings songs to a heavy heart, and like vinegar upon nitre.

21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

22 For you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will repay you.

23 The north wind drives away the rain, and an angry face a backbiting tongue. 

24 Better to live in a corner of a garret than with a quarrelsome woman in a large house.

25 Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a far country.

26 Like a troubled spring or a corrupt fountain is a righteous man who falls before the wicked.

27 Eating much honey is not good, nor is seeking one's own glory.

28 Like a city broken down and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit.