Proverbs 25:2-15

English Standard Version

² It is the glory of God to ^(A)conceal things,
    but the glory of kings is to ^(B)search things out.
³ As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,
    so the heart of kings is ^(C)unsearchable.
⁴ Take away ^(D)the dross from the silver,
    and ^(E)the smith has material for a vessel;
⁵ take away ^(F)the wicked from the presence of the king,
    and his ^(G)throne will be established in righteousness.
⁶ Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence
    or stand in the place of the great,
⁷ for ^(H)it is better to be told, “Come up here,”
    than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.

What your eyes have seen
^{8     (I)}do not hastily bring into court,^[a]
for^[b] what will you do in the end,
    when your neighbor puts you to shame?
^9 (J)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.

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

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