Chapter Twenty-Five

These are more of the proverbs of Solomon, compiled by officials of Hezekiah, King of Judah:

It is the privilege of God to conceal things, the place of kings to search them out.

As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so are the minds of kings unknowable.

Remove the dross from the silver and the silversmith can create a vessel.  Remove the corrupt officials from the king’s court and the government will be administered with justice.

Do not force yourself into the presence of the king or claim a place among his company of great men.  It is better if he says to you, “Come up here,” than for you to humiliate yourself before him.

Do not hastily report to the court something you may have seen, for, what will you do if it turns out a neighbor discredits your testimony?

If you have a dispute with a neighbor settle it between yourselves and don’t betray another’s confidence or else someone may hear it and reproach you for it, and your reputation will be forever tarnished.

A ruling rightly given is like gold apples on a silver tray.

A wise rebuke is, to a receptive ear, like a golden earring or an ornament of pure gold.

Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a faithful emissary; he refreshes the soul of his masters.

A man who boasts of gifts he has never given is like clouds and wind without any rain.

Through patience is a ruler persuaded; gentle speech can break a bone.

If you find some honey, eat only your fill, lest you become overly full and throw it up.

Visit your neighbor’s house only seldom or else he may become tired of you and hate you.

Bearing false witness against a neighbor is like attacking him with a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.

Putting your trust in an undependable person during a crisis is like relying on a bad tooth or a lame foot.

Singing songs to someone who is sad of heart is like taking one’s clothes off on a cold day or pouring vinegar upon natron.

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.  This is like heaping  burning coals upon his head, and Jehovah will reward you for it.

Just as a north wind brings rain so does a backbiting tongue bring an angry countenance.

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

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

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

It isn’t good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one’s own glory.

A person who lacks self control is like a city that has been broken into and is without walls.