Proverbs 25:12-26

¹²Constructive criticism from the wise to someone who listens is like a gold ring and a necklace of fine gold.

¹³Faithful messengers are as refreshing to their master as cold snow on a hot harvest day.

¹⁴Someone who boasts about a gift they never give is like cloud and wind without rain.

¹⁵If you're patient you can persuade your superior, and soft words can break down opposition.

¹⁶If you find honey, eat just enough, for if you eat too much, you'll be sick.

¹⁷Don't set foot in your neighbors' homes too often, otherwise they'll get fed up with you and hate you.

¹⁸Telling lies in court against a friend is like attacking them with a mace, or a sword, or an arrow.

¹⁹Trusting in unreliable people in times of trouble is like eating with a broken tooth or walking on a bad foot.

²⁰Singing happy songs to someone who's broken-hearted is like taking off your coat on a cold day, or pouring vinegar onto an open wound.

²¹If your enemy is hungry, give him something to eat; if he's thirsty, give him a drink of water.

²²This will make him ashamed as if he had burning coals piled on his head, and the Lord will reward you.

²³In the same way that the north wind brings rain, slandering people makes them angry.

²⁴It's better to live in a corner of a housetop than to share a whole house with an argumentative wife.

²⁵Good news from a distant country is like cold water to an exhausted traveler.

²⁶Good people who give in to the wicked are like a muddied spring or a polluted well.