Proverbs 25:1-28 GNT

[1] Here are more of Solomon's proverbs, copied by scribes at the court of King Hezekiah of Judah. [2] We honor God for what he conceals; we honor kings for what they explain. [3] You never know what a king is thinking; his thoughts are beyond us, like the heights of the sky or the depths of the ocean. [4] Take the impurities out of silver and the artist can produce a thing of beauty. [5] Keep evil advisers away from the king and his government will be known for its justice. [6] When you stand before the king, don't try to impress him and pretend to be important. [7] It is better to be asked to take a higher position than to be told to give your place to someone more important. [8] Don't be too quick to go to court about something you have seen. If another witness later proves you wrong, what will you do then? [9] If you and your neighbor have a difference of opinion, settle it between yourselves and do not reveal any secrets. [10] Otherwise everyone will learn that you can't keep a secret, and you will never live down the shame. [11] An idea well-expressed is like a design of gold, set in silver. [12] A warning given by an experienced person to someone willing to listen is more valuable than gold rings or jewelry made of the finest gold. [13] A reliable messenger is refreshing to the one who sends him, like cold water in the heat of harvest time. [14] People who promise things that they never give are like clouds and wind that bring no rain. [15] Patient persuasion can break down the strongest resistance and can even convince rulers. [16] Never eat more honey than you need; too much may make you vomit. [17] Don't visit your neighbors too often; they may get tired of you and come to hate you. [18] A false accusation is as deadly as a sword, a club, or a sharp arrow. [19] Depending on an unreliable person in a crisis is like trying to chew with a loose tooth or walk with a crippled foot. [20] Singing to a person who is depressed is like taking off a person's clothes on a cold day or like rubbing salt in a wound. [21] If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them a drink. [22] You will make them burn with shame, and the LORD will reward you. [23] Gossip brings anger just as surely as the north wind brings rain. [24] Better to live on the roof than share the house with a nagging wife. [25] Finally hearing good news from a distant land is like a drink of cold water when you are dry and thirsty. [26] A good person who gives in to someone who is evil reminds you of a polluted spring or a poisoned well. [27] Too much honey is bad for you, and so is trying to win too much praise. [28] If you cannot control your anger, you are as helpless as a city without walls, open to attack.