Proverbs 25:1-28 ERV

[1] These are some more wise sayings from Solomon. These proverbs were copied by servants of Hezekiah, the king of Judah. [2] We honor God for the things he keeps secret. But we honor kings for the things they can discover. [3] We cannot discover how high the sky is above us or how deep the earth is below. The same is true with the minds of kings. We cannot understand them. [4] Remove the worthless things from silver to make it pure, and a worker can make something beautiful. [5] Take the evil advisors away from a king, and goodness will make his kingdom strong. [6] Don't brag about yourself before the king and pretend you are someone important. [7] It is much better for the king to invite you to take a more important position than to embarrass you in front of his officials. [8] Don't be too quick to tell a judge about something you saw. You will be embarrassed if someone else proves you wrong. [9] If you want to tell your friends about your own problems, tell them. But don't discuss what someone told you in private. [10] Whoever hears it will lose their respect for you and will never trust you again. [11] Saying the right thing at the right time is like a golden apple in a silver setting. [12] Wise advice to a listening ear is like gold earrings or fine jewelry. [13] To his master who sent him, a messenger who can be trusted is as refreshing as a drink of cold water on a hot summer day. [14] People who promise to give gifts but never give them are like clouds and wind that bring no rain. [15] With patience, you can make anyone change their thinking, even a ruler. Gentle speech is very powerful. [16] Honey is good, but don't eat too much of it, or you will be sick. [17] And don't visit your neighbors' homes too often, or they will begin to hate you. [18] A person who gives false testimony against a neighbor is as deadly as a club, a sword, or a very sharp arrow. [19] Never depend on a liar in times of trouble. It's like chewing with a bad tooth or walking with a crippled foot. [20] Singing happy songs to a sad person is as foolish as taking a coat off on a cold day or mixing soda and vinegar. [21] If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat. If they are thirsty, give them some water. [22] This will make them feel the burning pain of shame, and the LORD will reward you for being good to them. [23] Just as wind blowing from the north brings rain, telling secrets brings anger. [24] It is better to live in a small corner of the roof than to share the house with a woman who is always arguing. [25] Good news from a faraway place is like a cool drink of water when you are hot and thirsty. [26] Good people who don't stand strong against evil are like springs that have been polluted or pools that have turned dirty and muddy. [27] Just as eating too much honey is not good, it is not good for people to always be looking for honor. [28] People who cannot control themselves are like cities without walls to protect them.