Proverbs 25:1–14
Further Wise Sayings of Solomon
25 These aalso are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:
2 bIt is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
3 As the heavens for height and the earth for depth,
So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4 cTake away the dross from silver,
And it will go to the silversmith for jewelry.
5 Take away the wicked from before the king,
And his throne will be established in drighteousness.
6 Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king,
And do not stand in the place of the great;
7 eFor it is better that he say to you,
“Come up here,”
Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince,
Whom your eyes have seen.
8 fDo not go hastily to 1court;
For what will you do in the end,
When your neighbor has put you to shame?
9 gDebate your case with your neighbor,
And do not disclose the secret to another;
10 Lest he who hears it expose your shame,
And 2your reputation be ruined.
11 A word fitly hspoken is like apples of gold
In settings of silver.
12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.
13 iLike the cold of snow in time of harvest
Is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14 jWhoever falsely boasts of giving
Is like kclouds and wind without rain.