It is the glory of God to (A)conceal a matter,
But the glory of (B)kings is to search out a matter.
As the heavens for height and the earth for depth,
So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
Take away the [a](C)impurities from the silver,
And there comes out a vessel for the (D)smith;
Take away the (E)wicked before the king,
And his (F)throne will be established in righteousness.
Do not boast in the presence of the king,
And do not stand in the same place [b]as great people;
For (G)it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,”
Than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince,
Whom your eyes have seen.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 25:4 Lit dross
  2. Proverbs 25:6 Lit of

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter(A)
and the glory of kings to investigate a matter.
As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,
so the hearts of kings cannot be investigated.

Remove impurities from silver,(B)
and material will be produced[a] for a silversmith.[b](C)
Remove the wicked from the king’s presence,(D)
and his throne will be established in righteousness.(E)

Don’t boast about yourself before the king,
and don’t stand in the place of the great;
for it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here!”
than to demote you in plain view of a noble.[c](F)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 25:4 Lit will come out; Ex 32:24
  2. 25:4 Or and a vessel will be produced by a silversmith
  3. 25:7 Lit you before a noble whom your eyes see

15 Through [a](A)patience a ruler may be persuaded,
And a gentle tongue breaks bone.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 25:15 Lit length of anger

15 A ruler can be persuaded through patience,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.(A)

Read full chapter