Proverbs 25
28 verses
Chapter 25 opens the Hezekiah collection (25:1-29:27) and introduces a new set of Solomonic proverbs "copied out by the men of Hezekiah," suggesting these sayings were gathered and transmitted by later Judean scribes, often featuring comparative and observational form rather than antithetical parallelism. The chapter opens with the declaration that "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings," establishing that wisdom involves patient investigation and the recognition that not all matters are immediately transparent, a theme developed through varied observations about concealment, revelation, and discernment. The chapter offers numerous memorable images: like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him, bringing refreshment and trustworthiness; the soft tongue breaks bones (reiterating the power of gentleness); the sluggard does not plow by reason of cold and thus begs in harvest with nothing, highlighting the consequences of deferred effort. The chapter also advises against boasting or self-promotion, against unnecessary words, and against settling disputes without both sides heard, emphasizing that the wise are measured, cautious, and attentive to nuance. Chapter 25 demonstrates the mature wisdom of a court context, where diplomacy, restraint, and keen observation of human behavior are essential to navigating complex social hierarchies and maintaining honor.
VERSES IN THIS CHAPTER
1
These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
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2
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
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3
The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
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4
Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.
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5
Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
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6
Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
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7
For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.
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8
Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
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There's something deeply comforting about knowing that the same God who spoke these words is the same yesterday, today, ...
9
Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:
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10
Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
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11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
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12
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
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13
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
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14
Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
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15
By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
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16
Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
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17
Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.
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18
A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
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19
Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
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20
As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.
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21
If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
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22
For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.
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23
The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
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24
It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.
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25
As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
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26
A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.
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27
It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
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28
He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
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