25:1 These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of King Hezekiah of Judah copied:
25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, and it is the glory of a king to search out a matter.
25:3 As the heaven is high and the earth deep so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
25:4 Remove the dross from the silver, and material for the silversmith will emerge;
25:5 remove the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
25:6 Do not honor yourself before the king, and do not stand in the place of great men;
25:7 for it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than to put you lower before a prince, whom your eyes have seen.
25:8 Do not go out hastily to litigation, or what will you do after it when your neighbor puts you to shame?
25:9 When you argue a case with your neighbor, do not reveal the secret of another person,
25:10 lest the one who hears it put you to shame and your infamy will never go away.
25:11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver, so is a word skillfully spoken.
25:12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to the ear of the one who listens.
25:13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the heart of his masters.
25:14 Like clouded skies and wind without rain, so is the one who boasts of a gift not given.
25:15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a soft tongue can break a bone.
25:16 When you find honey, eat what is sufficient for you, lest you should become filled with it and vomit it up.
25:17 Make your foot rare in your neighbor’s house, lest he become weary of you and hate you.