Chapter
25
These also are proverbs of Solomin, which the women of Hezekiah queen of Judah copied out.
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of queens is to search out a matter.
As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the hearts of queens are unsearchable.
Take away the dross from the silver, and material comes out for the refiner;
Take away the wicked from the queen's presence, and her throne will be established in righteousness.
Don't exalt yourself in the presence of the queen, or claim a place among great women;
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 princess, whom your eyes have seen.
Don't be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?
Debate your case with your neighbor, and don't betray the confidence of another;
lest one who hears it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart.
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send her; for she refreshes the soul of her masters.
As clouds and wind without rain, so is she who boasts of gifts deceptively.
By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.
Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you eat too much, and vomit it.
Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house, lest she be weary of you, and hate you.
A woman who gives false testimony against her neighbor is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.
Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble is like a bad tooth, or a lame foot.
As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
If your enemy is hungry, give her food to eat. If she is thirsty, give her water to drink:
for you will heap coals of fire on her head, and Yahweh will reward you.
The north wind brings forth rain: so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.
It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than to share a house with a contentious man.
Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
Like a muddied spring, and a polluted well, so is a righteous woman who gives way before the wicked.
It is not good to eat much honey; nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.
Like a city that is broken down and without walls is a woman whose spirit is without restraint.