Proverbs 25–29: The Hezekiah Collection
Scripture: Berean Standard Bible
These are additional proverbs of Solomon, which were copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:
It is the glory of God to conceal a matterand the glory of kings to search it out.As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,so the hearts of kings cannot be searched.
Remove the dross from the silver,and a vessel for a silversmith will come forth.Remove the wicked from the king’s presence,and his throne will be established in righteousness.
Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king,and do not stand in the place of great men;for it is better that he says to you, “Come up here!”than that you should be demoted in the presence of the prince.
Even what you have seen with your own eyes,do not bring hastily to court.Otherwise, what will you do in the endwhen your neighbor puts you to shame?
Argue your case with your neighborwithout betraying another’s confidence,lest the one who hears may disgrace you,and your infamy never go away.
A word fitly spokenis like apples of gold in settings of silver.Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine goldis a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.
Like the cold of snow in the time of harvestis a trustworthy messenger to those who send him;he refreshes the soul of his masters.
Like clouds and wind without rainis the man who boasts of gifts never given.
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
If you find honey, eat just what you need,lest you have too much and vomit it up.
Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house,lest he grow weary and hate you.
Like a club or sword or sharp arrowis a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.
Like a broken tooth or a foot out of jointis confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble.
Like one who removes a garment on a cold dayor vinegar poured on a woundis one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat,and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head,and the LORD will reward you.
As the north wind brings forth rain,so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.
Better to live on a corner of the roofthan to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
Like cold water to a weary soulis good news from a distant land.
Like a muddied spring or a polluted wellis a righteous man who gives way to the wicked.
It is not good to eat too much honeyor to search out one’s own glory.
Like a city whose walls are broken downis a man who does not control his temper.Like snow in summer and rain at harvest,honor does not befit a fool.Like a fluttering sparrow or darting swallow,an undeserved curse does not come to rest.A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,and a rod for the backs of fools!Do not answer a fool according to his folly,or you yourself will be like him.Answer a fool according to his folly,lest he become wise in his own eyes.Like cutting off one’s own feet or drinking violenceis the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.Like lame legs hanging limpis a proverb in the mouth of a fool.Like binding a stone into a slingis the giving of honor to a fool.Like a thorn that falls into the hand of a drunkardis a proverb in the mouth of a fool.Like an archer who wounds at randomis he who hires a fool or passerby.As a dog returns to its vomit,so a fool repeats his folly.Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?There is more hope for a fool than for him.
The slacker says, “A lion is in the road!A fierce lion roams the public square!”As a door turns on its hinges,so the slacker turns on his bed.The slacker buries his hand in the dish;it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.The slacker is wiser in his own eyesthan seven men who answer discreetly.
Like one who grabs a dog by the earsis a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own.Like a madman shooting firebrandsand deadly arrows,so is the man who deceives his neighborand says, “I was only joking!”
Without wood, a fire goes out;without gossip, a conflict ceases.Like charcoal for embers and wood for fire,so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.The words of a gossip are like choice morselsthat go down into the inmost being.
Like glaze covering an earthen vesselare burning lips and a wicked heart. A hateful man disguises himself with his speech,but he lays up deceit in his heart.When he speaks graciously, do not believe him,for seven abominations fill his heart.Though his hatred is concealed by deception,his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.He who digs a pit will fall into it,and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.A lying tongue hates those it crushes,and a flattering mouth causes ruin.Do not boast about tomorrow,for you do not know what a day may bring.
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips.
A stone is heavy and sand is a burden,but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both.
Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood,but who can withstand jealousy?
Better an open rebukethan love that is concealed.
The wounds of a friend are faithful,but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
The soul that is full loathes honey,but to a hungry soul, any bitter thing is sweet.
Like a bird that strays from its nestis a man who wanders from his home.
Oil and incense bring joy to the heart,and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul.
Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend,and do not go to your brother’s housein the day of your calamity;better a neighbor nearbythan a brother far away.
Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart,so that I can answer him who taunts me.
The prudent see danger and take cover;but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
Take the garment of him who posts security for a stranger;get collateral if it is for a foreigner.
If one blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning,it will be counted to him as a curse.
A constant dripping on a rainy dayand a contentious woman are alike—restraining her is like holding back the windor grasping oil with one’s right hand.
As iron sharpens iron,so one man sharpens another.
Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,and he who looks after his master will be honored.
As water reflects the face,so the heart reflects the true man.
Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied;so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold,but a man is tested by the praise accorded him.
Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle,yet his folly will not depart from him.
Be sure to know the state of your flocks,and pay close attention to your herds;for riches are not forever,nor does a crown endure to every generation.When hay is removed and new growth appearsand the grain from the hills is gathered,the lambs will provide you with clothing,and the goats with the price of a field.You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you—food for your householdand nourishment for your maidservants.The wicked flee when no one pursues,but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
A land in rebellion has many rulers,but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.
A destitute leader who oppresses the pooris like a driving rain that leaves no food.
Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,but those who keep the law resist them.
Evil men do not understand justice,but those who seek the LORD comprehend fully.
Better a poor man who walks with integritythan a rich man whose ways are perverse.
A discerning son keeps the law,but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
He who increases his wealth by interest and usurylays it up for one who is kind to the poor.
Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law,even his prayer is detestable.
He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit,but the blameless will inherit what is good.
A rich man is wise in his own eyes,but a poor man with discernment sees through him.
When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
He who conceals his sins will not prosper,but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
Blessed is the man who is always reverent,but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
Like a roaring lion or a charging bearis a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
A leader who lacks judgment is also a great oppressor,but he who hates dishonest profit will prolong his days.
A man burdened by bloodguilt will flee into the Pit;let no one support him.
He who walks with integrity will be kept safe,but whoever is perverse in his ways will suddenly fall.
The one who works his land will have plenty of food,but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.
A faithful man will abound with blessings,but one eager to be rich will not go unpunished.
To show partiality is not good,yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.
A stingy man hastens after wealthand does not know that poverty awaits him.
He who rebukes a man will later find more favorthan one who flatters with his tongue.
He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,”is a companion to the man who destroys.
A greedy man stirs up strife,but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
He who trusts in himself is a fool,but one who walks in wisdom will be safe.
Whoever gives to the poor will not be in need,but he who hides his eyes will receive many curses.
When the wicked come to power, people hide themselves;but when they perish, the righteous flourish.A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproofwill suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.
When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice,but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
By justice a king brings stability to the land,but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it.
A man who flatters his neighborspreads a net for his feet.
An evil man is caught by his own sin,but a righteous one sings and rejoices.
The righteous consider the cause of the poor,but the wicked have no regard for such concerns.
Mockers inflame a city,but the wise turn away anger.
If a wise man goes to court with a fool,there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.
Men of bloodshed hate a blameless man,but the upright care for his life.
A fool vents all his anger,but a wise man holds it back.
If a ruler listens to lies,all his officials will be wicked.
The poor man and the oppressor have this in common:The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
A king who judges the poor with fairness—his throne will be established forever.
A rod of correction imparts wisdom,but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.
When the wicked thrive, rebellion increases;but the righteous will see their downfall.
Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;he will bring delight to your soul.
Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint;but blessed is he who keeps the Law.
A servant cannot be corrected by words alone;though he understands, he will not respond.
Do you see a man who speaks in haste?There is more hope for a fool than for him.
A servant pampered from his youthwill bring grief in the end.
An angry man stirs up dissension,and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
A man’s pride will bring him low,but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
A partner to a thief hates his own soul;he receives the oath, but does not testify.
The fear of man is a snare,but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.
Many seek the ruler’s favor,but a man receives justice from the LORD.
An unjust man is detestable to the righteous,and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked.