25 These are also proverbs
of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. 2 It is the glory of God to conceal a
thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. 3 The heaven for height, and the earth
for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable. 4 Take away the dross from the silver,
and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. 5 Take away the wicked from before the
king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness. 6 Put not forth thyself in the presence
of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: 7 For better it is 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. 8 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest
thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put
thee to shame. 9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour
himself; and discover not a secret to another: 10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to
shame, and thine infamy turn not away. 11 A word fitly spoken is like apples
of gold in pictures of silver. 12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament
of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. 13 As the cold of snow in the time of
harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth
the soul of his masters.
14
Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain. 15 By
long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone. 16 Hast
thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled
therewith, and vomit it. 17 Withdraw
thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate
thee. 18 A man
that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword,
and a sharp arrow. 19 Confidence
in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot
out of joint. 20 As
he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre,
so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart. 21 If
thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give
him water to drink: 22 For
thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee. 23 The
north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting
tongue. 24 It
is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman
and in a wide house. 25 As
cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. 26 A righteous
man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt
spring. 27 It
is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not
glory. 28 He
that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down,
and without walls.