Proverbs 25:1-28 ESV

[1] These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied. [2] It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out. [3] As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable. [4] Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel; [5] take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness. [6] Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence or stand in the place of the great, [7] for it is better to be told, "Come up here," than to be put lower in the presence of a noble. What your eyes have seen [8] do not hastily bring into court, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame? [9] Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal another's secret, [10] lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your ill repute have no end. [11] A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. [12] Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear. [13] Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters. [14] Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give. [15] With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone. [16] If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it. [17] Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house, lest he have his fill of you and hate you. [18] A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow. [19] Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips. [20] Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on soda. [21] If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, [22] for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. [23] The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks. [24] It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife. [25] Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. [26] Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked. [27] It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory. [28] A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.