WEB

Proverbs 25

A header opens a fresh collection: "proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out" (v.1) — proverbs preserved and edited generations later. Many here turn on the royal court and on the art of speaking at the right moment. The style leans heavily on simile. A timely word is "apples of gold in settings of silver" (v.11); good news from far away is like cold water to a thirsty soul (v.25). Watch how images of weather, food, and the household carry the lessons.

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Proverbs 25 (WEB)
  1. 1

    These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

  2. 2

    It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

  3. 3

    As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

  4. 4

    Take away the dross from the silver, and material comes out for the refiner.

  5. 5

    Take away the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

  6. 6

    Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king, or claim a place among great men;

  7. 7

    for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.

  8. 8

    Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?

  9. 9

    Debate your case with your neighbor, and don’t betray the confidence of another,

  10. 10

    lest one who hears it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart.

  11. 11

    A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

  12. 12

    As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.

  13. 13

    As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters.

  14. 14

    As clouds and wind without rain, so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.

  15. 15

    By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.

  16. 16

    Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you eat too much, and vomit it.

  17. 17

    Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house, lest he be weary of you, and hate you.

  18. 18

    A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.

  19. 19

    Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a lame foot.

  20. 20

    As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

  21. 21

    If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

  22. 22

    for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

  23. 23

    The north wind produces rain; so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.

  24. 24

    It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman.

  25. 25

    Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

  26. 26

    Like a muddied spring and a polluted well, so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

  27. 27

    It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor.

  28. 28

    Like a city that is broken down and without walls is a man whose spirit is without restraint.

Take the lower seat

Verses 6-7 advise not exalting yourself before the king — better to be told "Come up here" than to be demoted in front of a prince. It is a court-etiquette scene Jesus later echoes in a parable about banquet seating.

Nearby, the most striking turn: feed your hungry enemy and give him water (v.21), and you "heap coals of fire on his head." The chapter prizes restraint — patience persuades a ruler, a soft tongue "breaks the bone" (v.15).

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