Proverbs 25:1-14

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

² It is the glory of God to conceal things,
    but the glory of kings is to search things out.
³ Like the heavens for height, like the earth for depth,
    so the mind of kings is unsearchable.
⁴ Take away the dross from the silver,
    and the smith has material for a vessel;
⁵ take away the wicked from the presence of the king,
    and his throne will be established in righteousness.
⁶ Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence
    or stand in the place of the great;
⁷ for it is better to be told, “Come up here,”
    than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.

What your eyes have seen
⁸     do not hastily bring into court;
for^[a] what will you do in the end,
    when your neighbor puts you to shame?
⁹ Argue your case with your neighbor directly,
    and do not disclose another’s secret;
¹⁰ or else someone who hears you will bring shame upon you,
    and your ill repute will have no end.

¹¹ A word fitly spoken
    is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
¹² Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold
    is a wise rebuke to a listening ear.
¹³ Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest
    are faithful messengers to those who send them;
    they refresh the spirit of their masters.
¹⁴ Like clouds and wind without rain
    is one who boasts of a gift never given.