26 Whoever gives an honest answer
    kisses the lips.

Read full chapter

26 An honest answer
    is like a kiss of friendship.

Read full chapter

    (A)do not hastily bring into court,[a]
for[b] what will you do in the end,
    when your neighbor puts you to shame?
(B)Argue your case with your neighbor himself,
    and do not reveal another's secret,
10 lest he who hears you bring shame upon you,
    and your ill repute have no end.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 25:8 Or presence of a noble, as your eyes have seen. 8Do not go hastily out to court
  2. Proverbs 25:8 Hebrew or else

    don’t be in a hurry to go to court.
For what will you do in the end
    if your neighbor deals you a shameful defeat?

When arguing with your neighbor,
    don’t betray another person’s secret.
10 Others may accuse you of gossip,
    and you will never regain your good reputation.

Read full chapter

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

15 With (G)patience a ruler may be persuaded,
    and a soft tongue will break a bone.

Read full chapter

11 Timely advice is lovely,
    like golden apples in a silver basket.

12 To one who listens, valid criticism
    is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.

13 Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer.
    They revive the spirit of their employer.

14 A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it
    is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.

15 Patience can persuade a prince,
    and soft speech can break bones.

Read full chapter

20 Whoever (A)sings songs to a heavy heart
    is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day,
    and like vinegar on soda.

Read full chapter

20 Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart
    is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather
    or pouring vinegar in a wound.[a]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 25:20 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads pouring vinegar on soda.

(A)Answer not a fool according to his folly,
    lest you be like him yourself.
(B)Answer a fool according to his folly,
    lest he be (C)wise in his own eyes.

Read full chapter

Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools,
    or you will become as foolish as they are.

Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools,
    or they will become wise in their own estimation.

Read full chapter

17 Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own
    is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.

Read full chapter

17 Interfering in someone else’s argument
    is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears.

Read full chapter

18 Like a madman who throws (A)firebrands, arrows, and death
19 is the man who deceives his neighbor
    and says, “I am only joking!”

Read full chapter

18 Just as damaging
    as a madman shooting a deadly weapon
19 is someone who lies to a friend
    and then says, “I was only joking.”

Read full chapter

23 Whoever (A)rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
    than (B)he who flatters with his tongue.

Read full chapter

23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism
    far more than flattery.

Read full chapter

20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
    (A)There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Read full chapter

20 There is more hope for a fool
    than for someone who speaks without thinking.

Read full chapter