Proverbs 25:7-22

⁷For better is it that it be said unto thee: 'Come up hither', than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom thine eyes have seen.

⁸Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

⁹Debate thy cause with thy neighbour, but reveal not the secret of another;

¹⁰Lest he that heareth it revile thee, and thine infamy turn not away.

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

¹²As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

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

¹⁴As vapours and wind without rain, so is he that boasteth himself of a false gift.

¹⁵By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

¹⁶Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

¹⁷Let thy foot be seldom in thy neighbour's house; lest he be sated with thee, and hate thee.

¹⁸As a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow, so is a man that beareth false witness against his neighbour.

¹⁹Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

²⁰As one that taketh off a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.

²¹If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink;

²²For thou wilt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD will reward thee.