Proverbs 25:1-28

  • Confidentiality (9)

  • Well-chosen words (11)

  • Respecting privacy (17)

  • Heaping coals on an enemy’s head (21, 22)

  • A good report is like cold water (25)

25  These also are the proverbs of Solʹo·mon,+ which the men of Hez·e·kiʹah+ the king of Judah transcribed:*   It is the glory of God to keep a matter secret,+And the glory of kings is to search through a matter.   As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,So the heart of kings is unsearchable.   Remove the dross from the silver,And it will emerge completely refined.+   Remove the wicked one from the king’s presence,And his throne will be firmly established in righteousness.+   Do not honor yourself before the king,+And do not take a place among the prominent,+   For it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” Than to humiliate you in the presence of a noble.+   Do not rush into a legal dispute,For what will you do later if your neighbor humiliates you?+   Plead your case with your neighbor,+But do not reveal what you were told confidentially,*+ 10  So that the one listening will not put you to shameAnd you spread a bad report* that cannot be recalled. 11  Like apples of gold in silver carvings*Is a word spoken at the right time.+ 12  Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine goldIs a wise reprover to the receptive ear.+ 13  Just like the coldness of snow on the day of harvestIs a faithful messenger to those who sent him,For he refreshes his master.*+ 14  Like clouds and wind that bring no rainIs a man who boasts about a gift never given.*+ 15  By patience a commander is won over,And a gentle* tongue can break a bone.+ 16  If you find honey, eat only what you need,For if you take too much, you may vomit it up.+ 17  Rarely set foot in your neighbor’s house,So that he does not get tired of you and hate you. 18  Like a war club and a sword and a sharp arrowIs a man bearing false witness against his neighbor.+ 19  Like a broken tooth or an unsteady footIs confidence in an unreliable* person in times of trouble. 20  Like one who removes a garment on a cold dayAnd like vinegar poured on soda*Is the one who sings songs to a gloomy heart.+ 21  If your enemy* is hungry, give him bread to eat;If he is thirsty, give him water to drink,+ 22  For you will be heaping burning coals on his head,*+And Jehovah will reward you. 23  The north wind brings a downpour,And a gossiping tongue brings an angry face.+ 24  Better to dwell on a corner of the roofThan in the same house with a quarrelsome* wife.+ 25  Like cold water on a tired soul*Is a good report from a distant land.+ 26  Like a muddied spring and a ruined wellIs a righteous person who gives in to* a wicked one. 27  It is not good to eat too much honey,+Nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.+ 28  As a city broken through, without a wall,Is the man who cannot control his temper.*+

Footnotes

Or “copied and compiled.”
Or “the secrets of others.”
Or “a malicious rumor.”
Or “settings.”
Or “the soul of his master.”
Lit., “a gift of falsehood.”
Or “mild.”
Or possibly, “a treacherous.”
Or “alkali.”
Lit., “the one hating you.”
That is, to soften the person and melt his hardness.
Or “nagging.”
Or “compromises with.” Lit., “staggers before.”
Or “who has no restraint for his spirit.”