Proverbs 25

Further Wise Sayings of Solomon ¹

The Right Word at the Right Time

²    God delights in concealing things;
   scientists delight in discovering things.

³    Like the horizons for breadth and the ocean for depth,
   the understanding of a good leader is broad and deep.

^4-5    Remove impurities from the silver
   and the silversmith can craft a fine chalice;
Remove the wicked from leadership
   and authority will be credible and God-honoring.

^6-7    Don't work yourself into the spotlight;
   don't push your way into the place of prominence.
It's better to be promoted to a place of honor
   than face humiliation by being demoted.

⁸    Don't jump to conclusions—there may be
   a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw.

^9-10    In the heat of an argument,
   don't betray confidences;
Word is sure to get around,
   and no one will trust you.

^11-12    The right word at the right time
   is like a custom-made piece of jewelry,
And a wise friend's timely reprimand
   is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.

¹³    Reliable friends who do what they say
   are like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing!

¹⁴    Like billowing clouds that bring no rain
   is the person who talks big but never produces.

¹⁵    Patient persistence pierces through indifference;
   gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses.

A Person Without Self-Control ^16-17 When you're given a box of candy, don't gulp it all down;
   eat too much chocolate and you'll make yourself sick;
And when you find a friend, don't outwear your welcome;
   show up at all hours and he'll soon get fed up.

¹⁸    Anyone who tells lies against the neighbors
   in court or on the street is a loose cannon.

¹⁹    Trusting a double-crosser when you're in trouble
   is like biting down on an abscessed tooth.

²⁰    Singing light songs to the heavyhearted
   is like pouring salt in their wounds.

^21-22    If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch;
   if he's thirsty, bring him a drink.
Your generosity will surprise him with goodness,
   and GOD will look after you.

²³    A north wind brings stormy weather,
   and a gossipy tongue stormy looks.

²⁴    Better to live alone in a tumbledown shack
   than share a mansion with a nagging spouse.

²⁵    Like a cool drink of water when you're worn out and weary
   is a letter from a long-lost friend.

²⁶    A good person who gives in to a bad person
   is a muddied spring, a polluted well.

²⁷    It's not smart to stuff yourself with sweets,
   nor is glory piled on glory good for you.

²⁸    A person without self-control
   is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out.