[15] Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. [16] If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit. [17] Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—too much of you, and they will hate you. [18] Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor. [19] Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble. [20] Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, 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] In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. [23] Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look. [24] Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. [25] Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. [26] Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked. [27] It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep. [28] Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.
