Proverbs 25:8-18

New King James Version

^8 (A)Do not go hastily to ^[a]court;
For what will you do in the end,
When your neighbor has put you to shame?
^9 (B)Debate your case with your neighbor,
And do not disclose the secret to another;
¹⁰ Lest he who hears it expose your shame,
And ^[b]your reputation be ruined.

¹¹ A word fitly ^(C)spoken is like apples of gold
In settings of silver.
¹² Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.

^13 (D)Like the cold of snow in time of harvest
Is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
For he refreshes the soul of his masters.

^14 (E)Whoever falsely boasts of giving
Is like ^(F)clouds and wind without rain.

^15 (G)By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded,
And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.

¹⁶ Have you found honey?
Eat only as much as you need,
Lest you be filled with it and vomit.

¹⁷ Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house,
Lest he become weary of you and hate you.

^18 (H)A man who bears false witness against his neighbor
Is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.