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Proverbs 25 (CEV)

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¹ Here are more of Solomon's proverbs. They were copied by the officials of King Hezekiah of Judah. ² God is praised for being mysterious; rulers are praised for explaining mysteries. ³ Who can fully understand the thoughts of a ruler? They reach beyond the sky and go deep in the earth. ⁴ Silver must be purified before it can be used to make something of value. ⁵ Evil people must be removed before anyone can rule with justice. ⁶ Don't try to seem important in the court of a ruler. ⁷ It's better for the ruler to give you a high position than for you to be embarrassed in front of royal officials. Be sure you are right ⁸ before you sue someone, or you might lose your case and be embarrassed. ⁹ When you and someone else can't get along, don't gossip about it. ¹⁰ Others will find out, and your reputation will then be ruined. ¹¹ The right word at the right time is like precious gold set in silver. ¹² Listening to good advice is worth much more than jewelry made of gold. ¹³ A messenger you can trust is just as refreshing as cool water in summer. ¹⁴ Broken promises are worse than rain clouds that don't bring rain. ¹⁵ Patience and gentle talk can convince a ruler and overcome any problem. ¹⁶ Eating too much honey can make you sick. ¹⁷ Don't visit friends too often, or they will get tired of it and start hating you. ¹⁸ Telling lies about friends is like attacking them with clubs and swords and sharp arrows. ¹⁹ A friend you can't trust in times of trouble is like having a toothache or a sore foot. ²⁰ Singing to someone in deep sorrow is like pouring vinegar in an open cut. ²¹ If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat. And if they are thirsty, give them something to drink. ²² This will be the same as piling burning coals on their heads. And the LORD will reward you. ²³ As surely as rain blows in from the north, anger is caused by cruel words. ²⁴ It's better to stay outside on the roof of your house than to live inside with a nagging wife. ²⁵ Good news from far away refreshes like cold water when you are thirsty. ²⁶ When a good person gives in to the wicked, it's like dumping garbage in a stream of clear water. ²⁷ Don't eat too much honey or always want praise. ²⁸ Losing self-control leaves you as helpless as a city without a wall.