Shared Word Translation
Proverbs 25
Proverbs Copied in the Days of Hezekiah
These also are proverbs of Solomon,
which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah
copied.
It is the glory of God
to conceal a matter,
and the glory of kings
to search a matter out.
As the heavens are high
and the earth is deep,
so the heart of kings
cannot be searched out.
Remove the dross from silver,
and material comes forth
for the silversmith.
Remove the wicked
from the king’s presence,
and the throne
will be established in righteousness.
Do Not Exalt Yourself
Do not exalt yourself
before the king
or stand in the place
of the great,
for it is better
to be told, “Come up here,”
than to be put lower
before a noble
whom your eyes have seen.
Do not rush out
to bring a dispute,
for what will you do in the end
when your neighbor humiliates you?
Argue your case
with your neighbor,
but do not reveal
another person’s secret,
lest the one who hears
put you to shame
and your bad reputation
never leave.
Words Fitly Spoken
Like apples of gold
in settings of silver
is a word spoken
at the right time.
Like a gold ring
or an ornament of fine gold
is a wise correction
to a listening ear.
Like the coolness of snow
in the time of harvest
is a faithful messenger
to those who send them,
for they refresh
the life of their master.
Like clouds and wind
without rain
is one who boasts
of a gift never given.
Through patience
a ruler may be persuaded,
and a gentle tongue
can break a bone.
Practice Restraint
If you find honey,
eat only what is enough for you,
lest you become full of it
and vomit.
Let your foot
be seldom in your neighbor’s house,
lest they become weary of you
and hate you.
Like a club, a sword,
and a sharp arrow
is one who gives false testimony
against a neighbor.
Like a broken tooth
or an unsteady foot
is trust in an unfaithful person
in a day of trouble.
Like taking off a garment
on a cold day,
or vinegar poured on soda,
is one who sings songs
to a troubled heart.
Care for an Enemy
If your enemy is hungry,
give them bread to eat;
if they are thirsty,
give them water to drink,
for you will heap burning coals
upon their head,
and the LORD
will reward you.
A north wind brings rain,
and a secretive tongue
brings angry faces.
Better to live
on a corner of a roof
than share a house
with a quarrelsome spouse.
Like cold water
to a weary soul
is good news
from a distant land.
Like a muddied spring
or a polluted fountain
is a righteous person
who gives way before the wicked.
It is not good
to eat too much honey,
nor is seeking one’s own glory
glorious.
Like a city broken into
and without walls
is a person
without self-control.