Proverbs 25

These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

These are the wise sayings of Solomon, carefully transcribed by the followers of King Hezekiah of Judah.

It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

God finds joy in hiding secrets, while a king's pride lies in uncovering the truth.

The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.

The sky is limitless, the earth is profound, and a king's heart is beyond understanding.

Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

Remove impurities from silver, and it becomes a worthy tool for the craftsman.

Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.

Remove evil influences from the king's presence, and his reign will be rooted in fairness and justice.

Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:

Don't force yourself into the spotlight before the king, nor try to take the place of those with great power.

For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

It's better to be invited to step forward, than to be demoted in front of a leader you respect.

Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

Don't rush into arguments without thinking, you might end up embarrassed if you don't know how to handle the situation your friend puts you in.

Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:

Discuss your issues directly with your friend, and don't reveal their secrets to others.

Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

If someone hears your wrongdoings, they may humiliate you, and your disgrace may never fade.

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

A well-chosen word is as precious as golden apples in a silver frame.

As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

Just as a golden earring or a fine gold ornament is precious and valued, so is the wisdom of someone who corrects us, when we are willing to listen and learn.

As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

Just as the refreshing chill of snow during harvest time, so is a loyal messenger to those who send him, bringing comfort and rejuvenation to their spirits.

Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.

Anyone who brags about gifts they never give is as empty as clouds and wind that promise rain and bring none.

By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

With patience, a leader can be convinced, and gentle words can break the hardest heart.

Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

Have you discovered something sweet, like honey? Enjoy it, but only in moderation. Overindulgence might make you sick.

Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

Avoid overstaying your welcome at a friend's home; they might grow tired of you and start to dislike you.

A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

A person who lies about their neighbor is as harmful as a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.

Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

Trusting a disloyal person during tough times is as painful and useless as a broken tooth or a sprained ankle.

As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

Just as taking away a coat in winter or pouring vinegar on baking soda worsens things, so does singing cheerful songs to a deeply saddened heart.

If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

If someone who dislikes you is hungry, offer them food; if they're thirsty, share your water.

For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

By showing kindness to your enemy, you'll stir deep feelings within them, and God will bless you for it.

The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

Just as the north wind sweeps away the rain, so does a stern look silence a gossiping tongue.

It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

It's more peaceful to live alone on a tiny rooftop than share a spacious home with a quarrelsome woman.

As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

Just like a refreshing sip of cold water soothes a parched throat, good news from a distant place brings immense joy to the heart.

A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

When a good person gives way before the wicked, it's like a once pure spring becoming polluted and disturbed.

It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.

Indulging too much in sweetness isn't wise, just as seeking self-praise doesn't bring true honor.

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

A person who can't control their emotions is like a defenseless city, broken and exposed.