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25:1 These are other proverbs of Solomon that the officials of King Hezekiah of Judah copied. 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out. 25:3 Like the heavens for height, like the earth for depth, so the mind of kings is unsearchable. 25:4 Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel; 25:5 take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness. 25:6 Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence or stand in the place of the great; 25:7 for it is better to be told, "Come up here," than to be put lower in the presence of a noble. What your eyes have seen 25:8 do not hastily bring into court; for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame? 25:9 Argue your case with your neighbor directly, and do not disclose another's secret; 25:10 or else someone who hears you will bring shame upon you, and your ill repute will have no end. 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. 25:12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise rebuke to a listening ear. 25:13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest are faithful messengers to those who send them; they refresh the spirit of their masters. 25:14 Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of a gift never given. 25:15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue can break bones. 25:16 If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, or else, having too much, you will vomit it. 25:17 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house, otherwise the neighbor will become weary of you and hate you. 25:18 Like a war club, a sword, or a sharp arrow is one who bears false witness against a neighbor. 25:19 Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is trust in a faithless person in time of trouble. 25:20 Like vinegar on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. Like a moth in clothing or a worm in wood, sorrow gnaws at the human heart. 25:21 If your enemies are hungry, give them bread to eat; and if they are thirsty, give them water to drink; 25:22 for you will heap coals of fire on their heads, and the LORD will reward you. 25:23 The north wind produces rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks. 25:24 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a contentious wife. 25:25 Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. 25:26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain are the righteous who give way before the wicked. 25:27 It is not good to eat much honey, or to seek honor on top of honor. 25:28 Like a city breached, without walls, is one who lacks self-control.