Proverbs 25:1-10 ▼

1 Here are some more proverbs by Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transcribed.

2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, and the glory of kings to investigate a matter.

3 Just as the heavens are high and earth is deep, so the heart of a king is unfathomable.

4 Purge the dross from the silver, and material for a vessel comes forth for the silversmith.

5 Purge the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

6 Don't magnify yourself in the presence of a king, and don't pretend to be in the company of famous men,

7 for 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,

8 don't be in a hurry to argue in court. Otherwise, what will you do later on when your neighbor humiliates you?

9 Instead, take up the matter with your neighbor, and don't betray another person's confidence.

10 Otherwise, anyone who hears will make you ashamed, and your bad reputation will never leave you.