箴言 25

1These too are proverbs of Solomon, which the officials of King Hezekiah of Judah copied:

2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,And the glory of a king to plumb a matter.

3Like the heavens in their height, like the earth in its depth,Is the mind of kings—unfathomable.

4The dross having been separated from the silver,A vessel emerged for the smith.

5Remove the wicked from the king’s presence,And his throne will be established in justice.

6Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence;Do not stand in the place of nobles.

7For it is better to be told, “Step up here,”Than to be degraded in the presence of the great.Do not let what your eyes have seen

8Be vented rashly in a quarrel;Think of what it will effect in the end,When your fellow puts you to shame.

9Defend your right against your fellow,But do not give away the secrets of another,

10Lest someone who hears it reproach you,And your bad repute never end.

11Like golden apples in silver showpieces Is a phrase well turned.

12Like a ring of gold, a golden ornament,Is a wise person’s reproof in a receptive ear.

13Like the coldness of snow at harvesttimeIs a trustworthy messenger to those who send him;He lifts his master’s spirits.

14Like clouds, wind—but no rain—Is a man who boasts of gifts not given.

15Through forbearance a ruler may be won over;A gentle tongue can break bones.

16If you find honey, eat only what you need,Lest, surfeiting yourself, you throw it up.

17Visit your neighbor sparingly,Lest he have his surfeit of you and loathe you.

18Like a club, a sword, a sharpened arrow,Is a man who testifies falsely against his fellow.

19Like a loose tooth and an unsteady leg,Is a treacherous support in time of trouble.

20Disrobing on a chilly day,Like vinegar on natron,Is one who sings songs to a sorrowful soul.

21If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;If he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

22You will be heaping live coals on his head,And GOD will reward you.

23A north wind produces rain,And whispered words, a glowering face.

24Dwelling in the corner of a roof is betterThan a contentious woman in a spacious house.

25Like cold water to a parched throatIs good news from a distant land.

26Like a muddied spring, a ruined fountain,Are the righteous fallen before the wicked.

27It is not good to eat much honey,Nor is it honorable to search for honor.

28Like an open city without wallsIs a man whose temper is uncurbed.