Proverbs 25:4-19

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 amongst 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 neighbour shames you?

⁹Debate your case with your neighbour, 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.

¹³As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters.

¹⁴As clouds and wind without rain, so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.

¹⁵By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.

¹⁶Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you eat too much, and vomit it.

¹⁷Let your foot be seldom in your neighbour’s house, lest he be weary of you, and hate you.

¹⁸A man who gives false testimony against his neighbour is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.

¹⁹Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a lame foot.