Proverbs 25:9-25

English Standard Version

^11 (B)A word fitly spoken
    is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
¹² Like ^(C)a gold ring or an ornament of gold
    is a wise reprover to ^(D)a listening ear.
¹³ Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest
    is ^(E)a faithful messenger to those who send him;
    he refreshes the soul of his masters.
¹⁴ Like ^(F)clouds and wind without rain
    is a man who ^(G)boasts of a gift he does not give.

¹⁵ With ^(H)patience a ruler may be persuaded,
    and a soft tongue will break a bone.
¹⁶ If you have ^(I)found honey, eat ^(J)only enough for you,
    lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.
¹⁷ Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house,
    lest he have his fill of you and hate you.
¹⁸ A man who ^(K)bears false witness against his neighbor
    is like a war club, or ^(L)a sword, or a sharp arrow.
¹⁹ Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble
    is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.
²⁰ Whoever ^(M)sings songs to a heavy heart
    is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day,
    and like vinegar on soda.
^21 (N)If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat,
    and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,
²² for you will heap ^(O)burning coals on his head,
    and the Lord will reward you.
²³ The north wind brings forth rain,
    and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
^24 (P)It is better to live in a corner of the housetop
    than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
²⁵ Like cold water to ^(Q)a thirsty soul,
    so is ^(R)good news from a far country.