Proverbs 25
More Proverbs of Solomon
Now these are more proverbs from Solomon's pen
transcribed by the King Hezekiah's own men:
The glory of God would have matters concealed;
the glory of kings would have matters revealed.
As heaven is high and the earth's deep, below,
so hearts of kings will not reveal what they know.
When dross is removed from the silver at last,
then vessels are seen that the silversmith cast.
Remove wicked men from the courts of the king,
his throne will be sure by the justice that brings.
Exalt not yourself there before the king's throne,
stand not in the place where great men stand alone.
Tis better for your king to say to you, Come,
than shamed before nobles and left feeling numb.
Because you've seen something with your eyes, in short,
don't be in a hurry to bring it to court.
For what will you do at the end of your claim
whenever your neighbor has put you to shame?
Debate your court case with your neighbor and friend,
but don't betray secrets they had, in the end.
Lest anyone hear it and you are disgraced,
and your reputation is ever debased.
A word aptly said is like apples of gold
in baskets of silver in season when told.
Gold earrings or necklace for somebody dear,
are wise man's rebukes to the listening ear.
Like snow at the time when the harvest is threshed
are trustworthy envoys abroad on their quest,
their faith makes the souls of their masters refreshed.
Like clouds and the winds boast, but no rain is brought,
are braggers who claim to give gifts but do not.
A prince is persuaded by patience, alone;
a tongue that is gentle and soft can break bone.
If you find some honey, then eat just enough,
if too much is eaten, you'll bring it back up.
Seldomly enter through your neighbor's door,
lest he has his fill and can take you no more.
A club or a sword or an arrow that flies —
like slandering neighbors with gossip and lies.
A foot that is lame or a sharp, broken tooth
is putting your faith in a man void of truth.
The one that removes a coat when the snows start,
pours vinegar on a wound making it smart,
that is the one who sings with heavy heart.
Give food to your foes if it's food that they seek,
and water to drink if they're thirsty and weak;
for you will heap on their head white coals that burn,
and you'll be repaid by the LORD in return.
For surely as north winds bring rain to come down,
so, too, a sly tongue brings the angriest frown.
Tis better to live on the roof all alone,
than live with a quarrelsome wife in the home.
As cold water quenches the thirst of a man,
so, too, does good news from a faraway land.
A spring that is muddied and sewage-filled well
are righteous men falling to man's wicked spell.
It's bad to eat honey much more than you ought,
and glory's not glory when glory is sought.
A person without self-control after all,
is like a sieged city without any wall.
transcribed by the King Hezekiah's own men:
The glory of God would have matters concealed;
the glory of kings would have matters revealed.
As heaven is high and the earth's deep, below,
so hearts of kings will not reveal what they know.
When dross is removed from the silver at last,
then vessels are seen that the silversmith cast.
Remove wicked men from the courts of the king,
his throne will be sure by the justice that brings.
Exalt not yourself there before the king's throne,
stand not in the place where great men stand alone.
Tis better for your king to say to you, Come,
than shamed before nobles and left feeling numb.
Because you've seen something with your eyes, in short,
don't be in a hurry to bring it to court.
For what will you do at the end of your claim
whenever your neighbor has put you to shame?
Debate your court case with your neighbor and friend,
but don't betray secrets they had, in the end.
Lest anyone hear it and you are disgraced,
and your reputation is ever debased.
A word aptly said is like apples of gold
in baskets of silver in season when told.
Gold earrings or necklace for somebody dear,
are wise man's rebukes to the listening ear.
Like snow at the time when the harvest is threshed
are trustworthy envoys abroad on their quest,
their faith makes the souls of their masters refreshed.
Like clouds and the winds boast, but no rain is brought,
are braggers who claim to give gifts but do not.
A prince is persuaded by patience, alone;
a tongue that is gentle and soft can break bone.
If you find some honey, then eat just enough,
if too much is eaten, you'll bring it back up.
Seldomly enter through your neighbor's door,
lest he has his fill and can take you no more.
A club or a sword or an arrow that flies —
like slandering neighbors with gossip and lies.
A foot that is lame or a sharp, broken tooth
is putting your faith in a man void of truth.
The one that removes a coat when the snows start,
pours vinegar on a wound making it smart,
that is the one who sings with heavy heart.
Give food to your foes if it's food that they seek,
and water to drink if they're thirsty and weak;
for you will heap on their head white coals that burn,
and you'll be repaid by the LORD in return.
For surely as north winds bring rain to come down,
so, too, a sly tongue brings the angriest frown.
Tis better to live on the roof all alone,
than live with a quarrelsome wife in the home.
As cold water quenches the thirst of a man,
so, too, does good news from a faraway land.
A spring that is muddied and sewage-filled well
are righteous men falling to man's wicked spell.
It's bad to eat honey much more than you ought,
and glory's not glory when glory is sought.
A person without self-control after all,
is like a sieged city without any wall.
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