Proverbs 25:9-28 ▼

9 Debate your case with your neighbor, and don’t betray the confidence of another,

10 lest one who hears it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart.

11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.

13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters.

14 As clouds and wind without rain, so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.

15 By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.

16 Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you eat too much, and vomit it.

17 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house, lest he be weary of you, and hate you.

18 A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.

19 Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a lame foot.

20 As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

22 for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and Yahweh will reward you.

23 The north wind produces rain; so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.

24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman.

25 Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

26 Like a muddied spring and a polluted well, so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

27 It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor.

28 Like a city that is broken down and without walls is a man whose spirit is without restraint.