Proverbs 25:1-15

The Message

² God delights in concealing things;
    scientists delight in discovering things.

³ Like the horizons for breadth and the ocean for depth,
    the understanding of a good leader is broad and deep.

^4-5 Remove impurities from the silver
    and the silversmith can craft a fine chalice;
Remove the wicked from leadership
    and authority will be credible and God-honoring.

^6-7 Don’t work yourself into the spotlight;
    don’t push your way into the place of prominence.
It’s better to be promoted to a place of honor
    than face humiliation by being demoted.

⁸ Don’t jump to conclusions—there may be
    a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw.

^9-10 In the heat of an argument,
    don’t betray confidences;
Word is sure to get around,
    and no one will trust you.

^11-12 The right word at the right time
    is like a custom-made piece of jewelry,
And a wise friend’s timely reprimand
    is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.

¹³ Reliable friends who do what they say
    are like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing!

¹⁴ Like billowing clouds that bring no rain
    is the person who talks big but never produces.

¹⁵ Patient persistence pierces through indifference;
    gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses.