Proverbs 25:9-25
English Standard Version
9 (A)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 (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.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.