It is the glory of God to (A)conceal things,
    but the glory of kings is to (B)search things out.
As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,
    so the heart of kings is (C)unsearchable.
Take away (D)the dross from the silver,
    and (E)the smith has material for a vessel;
take away (F)the wicked from the presence of the king,
    and his (G)throne will be established in righteousness.
Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence
    or stand in the place of the great,
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
    (I)do not hastily bring into court,[a]
for[b] what will you do in the end,
    when your neighbor puts you to shame?
(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.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

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

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