Proverbs 25:1-28 NCV

[1] These are more wise sayings of Solomon, 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, so 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 and act as if you are great. [7] It is better for him to give you a higher position than to bring you down in front of the prince. Because of something you have seen, [8] do not quickly take someone to court. What will you do later when your neighbor proves you wrong? [9] If you have an argument with your neighbor, don't tell other people what was said. [10] Whoever hears it might shame 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] A wise warning to someone who will listen is as valuable as gold earrings or fine gold jewelry. [13] Trustworthy messengers refresh those who send them, 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, or it will make you throw up. [17] Don't go to your neighbor's house too often; too much of you will make him hate you. [18] When you lie about your neighbors, it hurts them as much as a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow. [19] Trusting unfaithful people when you are in trouble is like eating with a broken tooth or walking with a crippled foot. [20] Singing songs to someone who is sad is like taking away his 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] As the north wind brings rain, 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] Good news from a faraway place is like 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, nor does it bring you honor to brag about yourself. [28] Those who do not control themselves are like a city whose walls are broken down.