Proverbs 25:1-28 CEB

[1] These are also proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah: [2] It is the glory of God to hide something and the glory of kings to discover something. [3] Like the high heavens and the depths of the earth, so the mind of a king is unsearchable. [4] Remove the dross from the silver, and a vessel will come out for the refiner. [5] Remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness. [6] Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king, or stand in the place of important people, [7] because it is better that he say to you, “Come up here,” than to be demoted before a ruler. What your eyes see, [8] don’t be quick to quarrel over; what will you do in the future when your neighbor shames you? [9] Argue it out with your neighbor, and don’t give away someone’s secret. [10] Otherwise, the one who hears it will vilify you; the slander against you will never stop. [11] Words spoken at the right time are like gold apples in a silver setting. [12] Wise correction to an ear that listens is like a gold earring or jewelry of fine gold. [13] Like the coolness of snow on a harvest day are reliable messengers to those who send them; they restore the life of their master. [14] People who brag about a gift never given are like clouds and wind that produce no rain. [15] A commander can be persuaded with patience, and a tender tongue can break a bone. [16] If you find honey, eat just the right amount; otherwise, you’ll get full and vomit it up. [17] Don’t spend too much time in your neighbor’s house. Otherwise, they’ll get fed up with you and hate you. [18] People who testify falsely against their neighbors are like a club, sword, and sharpened arrow. [19] Trusting a treacherous person at a difficult time is like having a bad tooth or a wobbly foot. [20] Singing a song to a troubled heart is like taking off a garment on a cold day or putting vinegar on a wound. [21] If your enemies are starving, feed them some bread; if they are thirsty, give them water to drink. [22] By doing this, you will heap burning coals on their heads, and the LORD will reward you. [23] The north wind stirs up rain, and a person who plots quietly provokes angry faces. [24] Better to live on the edge of a roof than to share a house with a contentious woman. [25] Good news from a distant land is like cold water for a weary person. [26] A righteous person giving in to the wicked is like a contaminated spring or a polluted fountain. [27] Eating too much honey isn’t good, nor is it appropriate to seek honor. [28] A person without self-control is like a breached city, one with no walls.