Proverbs 25:1-18

¹These are also parables of Solomon, which the men of Ezechias king of Juda copied out.

²It is the glory of God to conceal the word, and the glory of kings to search out the speech.

³The heaven above, and the earth beneath, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.

⁴Take away the rust from silver, and there shall come forth a most pure vessel:

⁵Take away wickedness from the face of the king, and his throne shall be established with justice.

⁶Appear not glorious before the king, and stand not in the place of great men.

⁷For it is better that it should be said to thee: Come up hither; than that thou shouldst be humbled before the prince.

⁸The things which thy eyes have seen, utter not hastily in a quarrel: lest afterward thou mayst not be able to make amends, when thou hast dishonoured thy friend.

⁹Treat thy cause with thy friend, and discover not the secret to a stranger:

¹⁰Lest he insult over thee, when he hath heard it, and cease not to upbraid thee. Grace and friendship deliver a man: keep these for thyself, lest thou fall under reproach.

¹¹To speak a word in due time, is like apples of gold on beds of silver.

¹²As an earring of gold and a bright pearl, so is he that reproveth the wise, and the obedient ear.

¹³As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to him that sent him, for he refresheth his soul.

¹⁴As clouds, and wind, when no rain followeth, so is the man that boasteth, and doth not fulfill his promises.

¹⁵By patience a prince shall be appeased, and a soft tongue shall break hardness.

¹⁶Thou hast found honey, eat what is sufficient for thee, lest being glutted therewith thou vomit it up.

¹⁷Withdraw thy foot from the house of thy neighbour, lest having his fill he hate thee.

¹⁸A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour, is like a dart and a sword and a sharp arrow.