Proverbs 25
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1Here are some more proverbs by Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transcribed.1These are more proverbs of Solomon, collected by the advisers of King Hezekiah of Judah.
2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, and the glory of kings to investigate a matter.2It is God’s privilege to conceal things and the king’s privilege to discover them.
3Just as the heavens are high and earth is deep, so the heart of a king is unfathomable.3No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth, or all that goes on in the king’s mind!
4Purge the dross from the silver, and material for a vessel comes forth for the silversmith.4Remove the impurities from silver, and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith.
5Purge the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.5Remove the wicked from the king’s court, and his reign will be made secure by justice.
6Don't magnify yourself in the presence of a king, and don't pretend to be in the company of famous men,6Don’t demand an audience with the king or push for a place among the great.
7for it is better that it be told you, "Come up here," than for you to be placed lower in the presence of an official. What you've seen with your own eyes,7It’s better to wait for an invitation to the head table than to be sent away in public disgrace. Just because you’ve seen something,
8don't be in a hurry to argue in court. Otherwise, what will you do later on when your neighbor humiliates you?8don’t be in a hurry to go to court. For what will you do in the end if your neighbor deals you a shameful defeat?
9Instead, take up the matter with your neighbor, and don't betray another person's confidence.9When arguing with your neighbor, don’t betray another person’s secret.
10Otherwise, anyone who hears will make you ashamed, and your bad reputation will never leave you.10Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation.
11Like golden apples set in silver is a word spoken at the right time.11Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.
12Like a gold earring and a necklace of pure gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.12To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.
13Like cold snow during harvest time is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes his masters.13Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer. They revive the spirit of their employer.
14Like clouds and winds without rain is the man who brags about gifts he never gave.14A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.
15Through patience a ruler may be persuaded; a gentle word can break a bone.15Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones.
16If you find some honey, eat only what you need. Take too much, and you'll vomit.16Do you like honey? Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick!
17Seldom set foot in your neighbor's home; otherwise, he'll grow weary and hate you.17Don’t visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome.
18A club, a sword, and a sharp arrow— that's what a man is who lies about his neighbor.18Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.
19A bad tooth and an unsteady foot— that's what confidence in an unreliable man is like in a time of trouble.19Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot.
20Taking your coat off when it's cold or pouring vinegar on soda— that's what singing songs does to a heavy heart.20Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar in a wound.
21If your enemy hungers, give him food to eat; and if he thirsts, give him water to drink.21If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.
22For you'll be piling burning coals of shame on his head and the LORD will reward you.22You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the LORD will reward you.
23The north wind brings rain, and a backbiting tongue an angry look.23As surely as a north wind brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger!
24It's better to live in a corner on the roof than in a house with a contentious woman.24It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.
25Cold water to someone who is thirsty — that's what good news from a distant land is.25Good news from far away is like cold water to the thirsty.
26A muddied spring or a polluted well— that's what a righteous person is who compromises with the wicked.26If the godly give in to the wicked, it’s like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring.
27To eat too much honey isn't good; and neither is it honorable to seek one's own glory.27It’s not good to eat too much honey, and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself.
28Like a city with breached walls is a man without self-control.28A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.
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Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 24
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