Proverbs 25:1-10a

¹These are the miscellaneous instructions of Solomon, which the friends of Hezekiah king of Judea copied out.

²The glory of God conceals a matter: But the glory of a king honors business.

³Heaven is high, and earth is deep, And a king’s heart is unsearchable.

⁴Beat the drossy silver, And it shall be made entirely pure.

⁵Slay the ungodly from before the king, And his throne shall prosper in righteousness.

⁶Be not boastful in the presence of the king, And remain not in the places of princes;

⁷For it is better for thee that it should be said, Come up to me, Than that one should humble thee in the presence of the prince; Speak of that which thine eyes have seen.

⁸Get not suddenly into a quarrel, Lest thou repent at last.

⁹Whenever thy friend shall reproach thee, Retreat backward, despise him not;

¹⁰Lest thy friend continue to reproach thee, So thy quarrel and enmity shall not depart, But shall be to thee like death.

^10aFavor and friendship set a man free, Which do thou keep for thyself, lest thou be made liable to reproach; But take heed to thy ways peaceably.