Proverbs 25:1-28 NLT

[1] These are more proverbs of Solomon, collected by the advisers of King Hezekiah of Judah. [2] It is God's privilege to conceal things and the king's privilege to discover them. [3] No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth, or all that goes on in the king's mind! [4] Remove the impurities from silver, and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith. [5] Remove the wicked from the king's court, and his reign will be made secure by justice. [6] Don't demand an audience with the king or push for a place among the great. [7] It's better to wait for an invitation to the head table than to be sent away in public disgrace. Just because you've seen something, [8] don't be in a hurry to go to court. For what will you do in the end if your neighbor deals you a shameful defeat? [9] When arguing with your neighbor, don't betray another person's secret. [10] Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation. [11] Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. [12] To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry. [13] Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer. They revive the spirit of their employer. [14] A person who promises a gift but doesn't give it is like clouds and wind that bring no rain. [15] Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones. [16] Do you like honey? Don't eat too much, or it will make you sick! [17] Don't visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome. [18] Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow. [19] Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot. [20] Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart is like taking someone's coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar in a wound. [21] If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. [22] You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the LORD will reward you. [23] As surely as a north wind brings rain, so a gossiping tongue causes anger! [24] It's better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home. [25] Good news from far away is like cold water to the thirsty. [26] If the godly give in to the wicked, it's like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring. [27] It's not good to eat too much honey, and it's not good to seek honors for yourself. [28] A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.