Proverbs

25 These also are proverbs of Solomon,—which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah transcribed.

2 The glory of God is to conceal a thing, But the glory of kings is to search out a thing.

3 The heavens for height and the earth for depth But the heart of kings cannot be searched.

4 Remove the dross from the silver And there cometh forth to the refiner a vessel:

5 Remove a lawless man from before the king That his throne may be established in righteousness.

6 Do not honour thyself before a king, Nor in the place of great men do thou stand;

7 For better it be said to thee, Come up hither,—Than that thou be put lower down before a noble, Whom thine own eyes have beheld.

8 Do not go forth to strive in haste,—Lest [thou know not] what to do in the latter end thereof, When thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

9 Thy contention urge thou with thy neighbour, And the secret of another do not reveal:

10 Lest he that heareth expose thee, And the report concerning thee turn not away.

11 Golden fruit in figured silver baskets Is a word spoken on fitting occasion.

12 A ring of gold and a vessel of precious metal Is a wise reprover on a hearing ear.

13 As the cold of snow in the day of harvest Is a faithful messenger to them who send him,—When the life of his masters he restoreth.

14 Clouds and wind when rain there is none Is the man who boasteth himself of a pretended gift.

15 By long patience is a judge persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

16 Honey having found eat to suffice thee, Lest thou loathe it and vomit it forth.

17 Withhold thy foot from the house of thy neighbour,—Lest he be weary of thee and hate thee.

18 A hammer and a sword and a sharpened arrow Is a man becoming a false witness against his neighbour.

19 A broken tooth and a faltering foot Is confidence in the treacherous in the day of danger.

20 As splendour of dress on a cold day—vinegar upon nitre So is a singer with songs unto a sad heart.

21 If he that hateth thee hunger give him bread to eat, And if he be thirsty give him water to drink;

22 For burning coals shalt thou be heaping upon his head,—And Yahweh will repay thee.

23 A north wind bringeth forth rain And a face stirred with indignation a secretive tongue.

24 Better to dwell on the corner of the roof Than a quarrelsome wife, and a house in common.

25 As cold water to a thirsty soul So is a good report from a far country.

26 A fountain fouled, a spring spoiled Is a righteous man tottering before one who is lawless.

27 To eat honey in abundance is not good, Nor is searching out their own honour an honourable thing.

28 A city broken down without a wall Is a man who hath no control over his own spirit.