Proverbs 25:15-28 (The Message)

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

A Person Without Self-Control

 ^16-17 When you're given a box of candy, don't gulp it all down;
   eat too much chocolate and you'll make yourself sick;
And when you find a friend, don't outwear your welcome;
   show up at all hours and he'll soon get fed up.

 ¹⁸ Anyone who tells lies against the neighbors
   in court or on the street is a loose cannon.

 ¹⁹ Trusting a double-crosser when you're in trouble
   is like biting down on an abscessed tooth.

 ²⁰ Singing light songs to the heavyhearted
   is like pouring salt in their wounds.

 ^21-22 If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch;
   if he's thirsty, bring him a drink.
Your generosity will surprise him with goodness,
   and God will look after you.

 ²³ A north wind brings stormy weather,
   and a gossipy tongue stormy looks.

 ²⁴ Better to live alone in a tumbledown shack
   than share a mansion with a nagging spouse.

 ²⁵ Like a cool drink of water when you're worn out and weary
   is a letter from a long-lost friend.

 ²⁶ A good person who gives in to a bad person
   is a muddied spring, a polluted well.

 ²⁷ It's not smart to stuff yourself with sweets,
   nor is glory piled on glory good for you.

 ²⁸ A person without self-control
   is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out.