Proverbs 25:1-28 ICB

[1] These are more wise sayings of Solomon. They were copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah. [2] God is honored for what he keeps secret. Kings are honored for what they can discover. [3] No one can measure the height of the skies or the depth of the earth. So also no one can understand the mind of a king. [4] Remove the scum from the silver. Then the silver can be used by the silversmith. [5] Remove wicked people from the king's presence. Then his government will be honest and last a long time. [6] Don't brag to the king. Don't act as if you are a great man. [7] It is better for him to promote you to a higher job than to give you a less important position. Because of something you have seen, [8] do not quickly take someone to court. What will you do later when your neighbor proves you are wrong? [9] If you have an argument with your neighbor, don't tell other people what was said. [10] Whoever hears it might say bad things about you. And you might not ever be respected again. [11] The right word spoken at the right time is as beautiful as gold apples in a silver bowl. [12] The warning of a wise person is valuable to someone who will listen. It is worth as much as gold earrings or fine gold jewelry. [13] A trustworthy messenger refreshes those who send him. He is like the coolness of snow in the summertime. [14] People who brag about gifts they never give are like clouds and wind that give no rain. [15] With patience you can convince a ruler. And a gentle word can get through to the hard-headed. [16] If you find honey, don't eat too much. Too much of it will make you sick. [17] Don't go to your neighbor's house too often. Too much of you will make him hate you. [18] Anyone who lies about his neighbor hurts him as a club, a sword or a sharp arrow would. [19] Don't trust unfaithful people when you are in trouble. It's like eating with a broken tooth or walking with a crippled foot. [20] Don't sing songs to someone who is sad. It's like taking off a coat on a cold day or pouring vinegar on soda. [21] If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. [22] Doing this will be like pouring burning coals on his head. And the Lord will reward you. [23] The north wind brings rain. In the same way, telling gossip brings angry looks. [24] It is better to live in a corner on the roof than inside the house with a quarreling wife. [25] Hearing good news from a faraway place is like having a cool drink when you are tired. [26] A good person who gives in to evil is like a muddy spring or a dirty well. [27] It is not good to eat too much honey. In the same way, it is not good to brag about yourself. [28] A person who does not control himself is like a city whose walls have been broken down.