(KJV) Proverbs 25¹

⥃More Proverbs of Solomon

[1] These [are] also proverbs² of Solomon, which³ the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. [2] [It is] the glory⁴ of God to conceal a thing: but the honour⁵ of kings [is] to search out a matter. [3] The heaven⁶ for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings [is] unsearchable⁷. [4] Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.⁸ [5] Take away⁹ the wicked [from] before the king, and his¹⁰ throne shall be established in righteousness. [6] Put not forth thyself¹¹ in the presence¹² of the king, and stand not in the place of great [men]: [7] For better [it is] that it¹³ be said unto thee, Come¹⁴ up hither; than¹⁵ that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen. [8] Go not forth hastily¹⁶ to strive, lest [thou know not] what¹⁷ to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame. [9] Debate thy cause with¹⁸ thy neighbour [himself]; and discover not a secret to another¹⁹: [10] Lest he that heareth [it] put thee to shame, and thine²⁰ infamy turn not away. [11] A word²¹ fitly spoken²² [is like²³] apples of gold in pictures of silver. [12] [As] an earring²⁴ of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, [so is] a wise²⁵ reprover upon an obedient ear. [13] As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, [so is] a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.²⁶ [14] Whoso boasteth²⁷ himself of a false gift²⁸ [is like] clouds and wind without rain. [15] By long²⁹ forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone³⁰. [16] Hast³¹ thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest³² thou be filled therewith, and vomit it. [17] Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s³³ house; lest he be weary³⁴ of thee, and [so] hate thee. [18] A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour [is] a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.³⁵ [19] Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble [is like] a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.³⁶ [20] [As] he that taketh³⁷ away a garment in cold weather, [and as] vinegar³⁸ upon nitre, so³⁹ [is] he that singeth songs to an heavy heart. [21] If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:⁴⁰ [22] For⁴¹ thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord⁴² shall reward thee. [23] The north⁴³ wind driveth⁴⁴ away rain: so⁴⁵ [doth] an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. [24] [It is] better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.⁴⁶ [25] [As] cold⁴⁷ waters to a thirsty so⁴⁸ul, so [is] good news from a far country. [26] A righteous man falling down before the wicked [is as] a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.⁴⁹ [27] [It is] not good⁵⁰ to eat much honey: so⁵¹ [for men] to search their own glory [is not] glory. [28] He that [hath] no rule over his own spirit [is like] a city [that is] broken down, [and] without walls. ⁵²