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25:1  These are other proverbs of Solomon that the officials of King Hezekiah of Judah copied.
25:2  It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.
25:3  Like the heavens for height, like the earth for depth, so the mind of kings is unsearchable.
25:4  Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel;
25:5  take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
25:6  Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence or stand in the place of the great;
25:7  for it is better to be told, ‘Come up here’, than to be put lower in the presence of a noble. What your eyes have seen
25:8  do not hastily bring into court; for what will you do in the end, when your neighbour puts you to shame?
25:9  Argue your case with your neighbour directly, and do not disclose another’s secret;
25:10  or else someone who hears you will bring shame upon you, and your ill repute will have no end.
25:11  A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
25:12  Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise rebuke to a listening ear.
25:13  Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest are faithful messengers to those who send them; they refresh the spirit of their masters.
25:14  Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of a gift never given.
25:15  With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue can break bones.
25:16  If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, or else, having too much, you will vomit it.
25:17  Let your foot be seldom in your neighbour’s house, otherwise the neighbour will become weary of you and hate you.
25:18  Like a war club, a sword, or a sharp arrow is one who bears false witness against a neighbour.
25:19  Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is trust in a faithless person in time of trouble.
25:20  Like vinegar on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. Like a moth in clothing or a worm in wood, sorrow gnaws at the human heart.
25:21  If your enemies are hungry, give them bread to eat; and if they are thirsty, give them water to drink;
25:22  for you will heap coals of fire on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.
25:23  The north wind produces rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
25:24  It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a contentious wife.
25:25  Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
25:26  Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain are the righteous who give way before the wicked.
25:27  It is not good to eat much honey, or to seek honour on top of honour.
25:28  Like a city breached, without walls, is one who lacks self-control.