Proverbs 25 :: New International Version (NIV)

More Proverbs of Solomon

Pro 25:1

Pro 25:1These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:

Pro 25:2

Pro 25:2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.

Pro 25:3

Pro 25:3As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

Pro 25:4

Pro 25:4Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel;

Pro 25:5

Pro 25:5remove wicked officials from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness.

Pro 25:6

Pro 25:6Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men;

Pro 25:7

Pro 25:7it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before his nobles. What you have seen with your eyes

Pro 25:8

Pro 25:8do not bring[fn] hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?

Pro 25:9

Pro 25:9If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence,

Pro 25:10

Pro 25:10or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand.

Pro 25:11

Pro 25:11Like apples[fn] of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.

Pro 25:12

Pro 25:12Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.

Pro 25:13

Pro 25:13Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master.

Pro 25:14

Pro 25:14Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given.

Pro 25:15

Pro 25:15Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

Pro 25:16

Pro 25:16If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit.

Pro 25:17

Pro 25:17Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house— too much of you, and they will hate you.

Pro 25:18

Pro 25:18Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.

Pro 25:19

Pro 25:19Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.

Pro 25:20

Pro 25:20Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

Pro 25:21

Pro 25:21If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

Pro 25:22

Pro 25:22In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

Pro 25:23

Pro 25:23Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look.

Pro 25:24

Pro 25:24Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

Pro 25:25

Pro 25:25Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.

Pro 25:26

Pro 25:26Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.

Pro 25:27

Pro 25:27It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.

Pro 25:28

Pro 25:28Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

See the NIV Preface (Especially for Parenthesis, Brackets, & Asterisks).

NIV Footnotes

(25:7)

Or nobles / on whom you had set your eyes. / 8 Do not go

(25:8)

Or nobles / on whom you had set your eyes. / 8 Do not go

(25:11)

Or possibly apricots

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