Proverbs 25:5-23

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 you that it should be said, Come up to me, than that one should humble you in the presence of the prince; speak of that which your eyes have seen.

⁸Get not suddenly into a quarrel, lest you repent at last.

⁹Whenever your friend shall reproach you, retreat backward, despise him not;

¹⁰lest your friend continue to reproach you, so your quarrel and enmity shall not depart, but shall be to you like death. Favour and friendship set a man free, which do you keep for yourself, lest you be made liable to reproach; but take heed to your ways peaceably.

¹¹As a golden apple in a necklace of sardius, so is it to speak a wise word.

¹²In an ear-ring of gold a precious sardius is also set; so is a wise word to an obedient ear.

¹³As a fall of snow in the time of harvest is good against heat, so a faithful messenger refreshes those that send him; for he helps the souls of his employers.

¹⁴As winds and clouds and rains are most evident objects, so is he that boasts of a false gift.

¹⁵In longsuffering is prosperity to kings, and a soft tongue breaks the bones.

¹⁶Having found honey, eat only what is enough, lest haply you be filled, and vomit it up.

¹⁷Enter sparingly into your friend's house, lest he be satiated with your company, and hate you.

¹⁸As a club, and a dagger, and a pointed arrow, so also is a man who bears false witness against his friend.

¹⁹The way of the wicked and the foot of the transgressor shall perish in an evil day.

²⁰As vinegar is bad for a sore, so trouble befalling the body afflicts the heart. As a moth in a garment, and a worm in wood, so the grief of a man hurts the heart.

²¹If your enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink;

²²for so doing you shall heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward you with good.

²³The north wind raises clouds; so an impudent face provokes the tongue.