Proverbs 25
The Voice
25 These words, too, are proverbs of King Solomon, words which Hezekiah, king of Judah, later told his scribes to record for posterity:
2 God’s glory is shown when He conceals things;
a king’s glory is shown in his ability to explore the facts of the matter.
3 As the heights of heaven and the depths of earth are beyond comprehension,
so are the hearts of kings.
4 Take away the impurities from the silver,
and a good smith can create something of value;
5 Take away the wicked from among the king’s advisors,
and his reign will be established with integrity.
6 Do not claim to be important in the presence of the king
or vie for a position within the company of great men.
7 Truly, it is far sweeter to have someone of influence say to you, “Come up here and join us,”
than to be ordered to some lower rank in front of a noble.
Just because you think you have seen something
8 doesn’t mean you should be quick to go to court,
For what will you do
when your neighbor disproves the charge and embarrasses you?
9 Instead, discuss the matter directly with your neighbor,
but in doing so, remember never to reveal another person’s secrets;
10 For if you do, someone who hears you could disgrace you,
and a bad reputation will cling to you ever afterward.
11 A well-spoken word at just the right moment
is like golden apples in settings of silver.
12 To an attentive ear, constructive criticism from a truly wise person
is like an earring or jewelry made of fine gold.
13 Like a cooling snow that breaks the heat of a harvest day,
so is the messenger who is faithful to those who sent him,
for he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14 Like clouds and wind that bring no rain,
so is one who boasts of gifts promised but never delivered.
15 Patience can soften up a leader,
and a tender tongue can break even bone.
16 When you find honey, remember to eat only what you need,
because if you eat in excess, you may be sick and lose all of it.
17 Don’t visit your neighbor too often,
or he will become tired of you and grow to hate you.
18 Like a maul and a sword and a sharp arrow all in one,
so is anyone who bears false witness against a neighbor.
19 Like a tooth that is rotten or a foot that is unsteady,
so is relying on a person who can’t be trusted in times of trouble.
20 Like a man who undresses in winter
or a woman who pours vinegar on a wound,[a]
So is anyone who tries to sing happy songs
to a sorrowful heart.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him something to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink,
22 For your kind treatment will be like heaping hot coals on his head,[b]
it may cause a change in heart,
and the Eternal will repay you.
Acts of kindness, especially when we know they are undeserved, awaken a slumbering conscience, stimulate sorrow, and perhaps even effect a change. They are the best ways to turn an enemy into a friend.
23 As surely as a north wind drives the rain before it,
a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.
24 It is better to dwell outside on the corner of your roof
than to live inside your house with a badgering wife.
25 Like cool water to a weary soul,
so is good news from a distant country.
26 Like a muddy spring or a polluted fountain,
so is a righteous person who gives in to the wicked.
27 Eating too much honey is not good for you,
nor is it good to seek one honor after another.
28 Like a conquered city with no walls,
so is a man who has no self-control.
Footnotes
- 25:20 Hebrew text is uncertain, literally “soda”; Greek, “wound.”
- 25:22 Romans 12:20
Proverbios 25
Reina-Valera Antigua
25 TAMBIÉN estos son proverbios de Salomón, los cuales copiaron los varones de Ezechîas, rey de Judá.
2 Gloria de Dios es encubrir la palabra; Mas honra del rey es escudriñar la palabra.
3 Para la altura de los cielos, y para la profundidad de la tierra, Y para el corazón de los reyes, no hay investigación.
4 Quita las escorias de la plata, Y saldrá vaso al fundidor.
5 Aparta al impío de la presencia del rey, Y su trono se afirmará en justicia.
6 No te alabes delante del rey, Ni estés en el lugar de los grandes:
7 Porque mejor es que se te diga, Sube acá, Que no que seas humillado delante del príncipe Que miraron tus ojos.
8 No salgas á pleito presto, No sea que no sepas qué hacer al fin, Después que tu prójimo te haya dejado confuso.
9 Trata tu causa con tu compañero Y no descubras el secreto á otro.
10 No sea que te deshonre el que lo oyere, Y tu infamia no pueda repararse.
11 Manzana de oro con figuras de plata Es la palabra dicha como conviene.
12 Como zarcillo de oro y joyel de oro fino, Es el que reprende al sabio que tiene oído dócil.
13 Como frío de nieve en tiempo de la siega, Así es el mensajero fiel á los que lo envían: Pues al alma de su señor da refrigerio.
14 Como nubes y vientos sin lluvia, Así es el hombre que se jacta de vana liberalidad.
15 Con larga paciencia se aplaca el príncipe; Y la lengua blanda quebranta los huesos.
16 ¿Hallaste la miel? come lo que te basta; No sea que te hartes de ella, y la vomites.
17 Detén tu pie de la casa de tu vecino, Porque harto de ti no te aborrezca.
18 Martillo y cuchillo y saeta aguda, Es el hombre que habla contra su prójimo falso testimonio.
19 Diente quebrado y pie resbalador, Es la confianza en el prevaricador en tiempo de angustia.
20 El que canta canciones al corazón afligido, Es como el que quita la ropa en tiempo de frío, ó el que sobre el jabón echa vinagre.
21 Si el que te aborrece tuviere hambre, dale de comer pan; Y si tuviere sed, dale de beber agua:
22 Porque ascuas allegas sobre su cabeza, Y Jehová te lo pagará.
23 El viento del norte ahuyenta la lluvia, Y el rostro airado la lengua detractora.
24 Mejor es estar en un rincón de casa, Que con la mujer rencillosa en espaciosa casa.
25 Como el agua fría al alma sedienta, Así son las buenas nuevas de lejanas tierras.
26 Como fuente turbia y manantial corrompido, Es el justo que cae delante del impío.
27 Comer mucha miel no es bueno: Ni el buscar la propia gloria es gloria.
28 Como ciudad derribada y sin muro, Es el hombre cuyo espíritu no tiene rienda.
The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.