II.
The collection of Hezekiah — admonitions and teachings
25:1—29:27
Prov. 25
:1
25:1
These also are
aproverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah the king of Judah copied.
Prov. 25
:2
25:2
It is the glory of God to
aconceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search a matter out.
Prov. 25
:3
25:3
As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,
So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
Prov. 25
:4
25:4
Take away the dross from the silver,
And a vessel comes out for the smith;
Prov. 25
:5
25:5
Take away the wicked man
from before the king,
And his throne will be established in righteousness.
Prov. 25
:6
25:6
Do not claim honor for yourself in the presence of the king,
And do
anot stand in the place of great men;
Prov. 25
:7
25:7
For it is better that it is said to you, Come up here,
Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the noble,
Whom your eyes have seen.
Prov. 25
:8
25:8
Do not go out hastily to strive;
Otherwise what will you do in the end,
When your neighbor puts you to shame?
Prov. 25
:9
25:9
aArgue your case with your neighbor
himself,
And do
bnot reveal the secret of another;
Prov. 25
:10
25:10
Lest he who hears it revile you,
And the evil report of you does not go away.
Prov. 25
:11
25:11
A aword fitly spoken
Is
like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Prov. 25
:12
25:12
Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
Is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
Prov. 25
:13
25:13
Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest
Is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
Prov. 25
:14
25:14
Like clouds and wind
awithout rain
Is one who boasts of
his gifts falsely.
Prov. 25
:15
25:15
By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded,
And a soft tongue can break the bone.
Prov. 25
:16
25:16
Have you found honey? Eat
only what you need,
Lest you become filled up with it and vomit it.
Prov. 25
:17
25:17
Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house,
Otherwise he will become weary of you and hate you.
Prov. 25
:18
25:18
A man who bears false witness against his neighbor
Is
like a club and a sword and a sharp arrow.
Prov. 25
:19
25:19
Confidence in a treacherous man in time of trouble
Is
like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.
Prov. 25
:20
25:20
He who sings songs to a troubled heart
Is
like one who takes off a garment on a cold day,
Or
like vinegar on soda.
Prov. 25
:21
25:21
aIf your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;
And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
Prov. 25
:22
25:22
For you will heap coals of fire upon his head,
And Jehovah will reward you.
Prov. 25
:23
25:23
The north wind brings forth rain;
And a backbiting tongue, an angry countenance.
Prov. 25
:24
25:24
aIt is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop
Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
Prov. 25
:25
25:25
Like cold water to a thirsty soul,
So is good news from a far country.
Prov. 25
:26
25:26
Like a muddied fountain and a polluted spring
Is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked man.
Prov. 25
:27
25:27
It is not good to eat much honey,
Nor is it glory
for men to search out their own glory.
Prov. 25
:28
25:28
Like a city that is broken down, without walls,
Is a man whose
aspirit is without restraint.
