More Proverbs of Solomon

25 These are more proverbs of Solomon. They were copied down by the men of Hezekiah, the king of Judah.

2 When God hides a matter, he gets glory.

When kings figure out a matter, they get glory.

3 The heavens are high and the earth is deep.

In the same way, the minds of kings are hard to figure out.

4 Remove the scum from the silver.

Then the master worker can make something.

5 Remove sinful people from where the king is.

When he does what is right, his kingdom will be secure.

6 Don’t brag in front of the king.

Don’t claim a place among great people.

7 Let the king say to you, “Come up here.”

That’s better than for him to shame you in front of nobles.

What you have seen with your own eyes

8 don’t bring too quickly to court.

What will you do in the end

if your neighbor puts you to shame?

9 If you talk about a matter with your neighbor,

don’t tell others what was said.

10 If you do, someone might hear it and put you to shame.

Then no one will ever respect you again.

11 The right word at the right time

is like golden apples in silver jewelry.

12 A wise person’s warning to a listening ear

is like a gold earring or jewelry made of fine gold.

13 A messenger trusted by those who send him

is like cool snow at harvest time.

He renews the spirit of his masters.

14 A man who brags about gifts he doesn’t give

is like wind and clouds that don’t produce rain.

15 If you are patient, you can win an official over to your side.

And gentle words can break a bone.

16 If you find honey, eat just enough.

If you eat too much of it, you will throw up.

17 Don’t go to your neighbor’s home very often.

If he sees too much of you, he will hate you.

18 A man who gives false witness against his neighbor

is like a club, a sword or a sharp arrow.

19 Trusting someone who is not faithful when trouble comes

is like a bad tooth or a disabled foot.

20 You may sing songs to a troubled heart.

But that’s like taking a coat away on a cold day.

It’s like pouring vinegar on baking soda.

21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat.

If he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

22 By doing those things, you will pile up burning coals on his head.

And the Lord will reward you.

23 The north wind brings rain.

And a crafty tongue brings angry looks.

24 It is better to live on a corner of a roof

than to share a house with a nagging wife.

25 Hearing good news from a land far away

is like drinking cold water when you are tired.

26 Sometimes a godly person gives in to those who are evil.

Then he becomes like a muddy spring of water or a polluted well.

27 It isn’t good for you to eat too much honey.

And you shouldn’t try to get others to honor you.

28 A man who can’t control himself

is like a city whose walls are broken down.