Proverbs 25:4-12

⁴Take away the dross from the silver, and material comes out for the refiner.

⁵Take away the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

⁶Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king, or claim a place among great men;

⁷for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.

⁸Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?

⁹Debate your case with your neighbor, and don’t betray the confidence of another,

¹⁰lest one who hears it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart.

¹¹A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

¹²As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.