Proverbs 25-27

1These are additional proverbs of Solomon, which were copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:

2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out.

3As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings cannot be searched.

4Remove the dross from the silver, and a vessel for a silversmith will come forth.

5Remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

6Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men;

7for it is better to be told, “Come up here!” than to be demoted in the presence of the prince. Even what you have seen with your own eyes,

8do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame?

9Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence,

10lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your infamy never go away.

11A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

12Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.

13Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.

14Like clouds and wind without rain is the man who boasts of gifts never given.

15Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

16If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up.

17Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, lest he grow weary and hate you.

18Like a club or sword or sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.

19Like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble.

20Like one who removes a garment on a cold day or vinegar poured on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

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

22For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

23As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.

24Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

25Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.

26Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked.

27It is not good to eat too much honey or to search out one’s own glory.

28Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper.

1Like snow in summer and rain at harvest, honor does not befit a fool.

2Like a fluttering sparrow or darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.

3A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!

4Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him.

5Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.

6Like cutting off one’s own feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.

7Like lame legs hanging limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

8Like binding a stone into a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.

9Like a thorn that goes into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.

10Like an archer who wounds at random is he who hires a fool or passerby.

11As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.

12Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

13The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!”

14As a door turns on its hinges, so the slacker turns on his bed.

15The slacker buries his hand in the dish; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.

16The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly.

17Like one who grabs a dog by the ears is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own.

18Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows,

19so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”

20Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases.

21Like charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.

22The words of a gossip are like choice morsels that go down into the inmost being.

23Like glaze covering an earthen vessel are burning lips and a wicked heart.

24A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart.

25When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart.

26Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

27He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.

28A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin.

1Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

2Let another praise you, and not your own mouth— a stranger, and not your own lips.

3A stone is heavy and sand is a burden, but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both.

4Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy?

5Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed.

6The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

7The soul that is full loathes honey, but to a hungry soul, any bitter thing is sweet.

8Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who wanders from his home.

9Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul.

10Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.

11Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me.

12The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

13Take the garment of him who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.

14If one blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be counted to him as a curse.

15A constant dripping on a rainy day and a contentious woman are alike—

16restraining her is like holding back the wind or grasping oil with one’s right hand.

17As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

18Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored.

19As water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the true man.

20Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

21A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but a man is tested by the praise accorded him.

22Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle, yet his folly will not depart from him.

23Be sure to know the state of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds;

24for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to every generation.

25When hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered,

26the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field.

27You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you— food for your household and nourishment for your maidservants.