Proverbs 25
1These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah: 2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;to search out a matter is the glory of kings. 3As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,so the hearts of kings are unsearchable. 4Remove the dross from the silver,and a silversmith can produce a vessel; 5remove wicked officials from the king’s presence,and his throne will be established through righteousness. 6Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence,and do not claim a place among his great men; 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 8do not bring hastily to court,for what will you do in the endif your neighbor puts you to shame? 9If you take your neighbor to court,do not betray another’s confidence, 10or the one who hears it may shame youand the charge against you will stand. 11Like apples of gold in settings of silveris a ruling rightly given. 12Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine goldis the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear. 13Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest timeis a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him;he refreshes the spirit of his master. 14Like clouds and wind without rainis one who boasts of gifts never given. 15Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,and a gentle tongue can break a bone. 16If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit. 17Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—too much of you, and they will hate you. 18Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrowis one who gives false testimony against a neighbor. 19Like a broken tooth or a lame footis reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble. 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. 21If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. 22In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,and the Lord will reward you. 23Like a north wind that brings unexpected rainis a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look. 24Better to live on a corner of the roofthan share a house with a quarrelsome wife. 25Like cold water to a weary soulis good news from a distant land. 26Like a muddied spring or a polluted wellare the righteous who give way to the wicked. 27It is not good to eat too much honey,nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep. 28Like a city whose walls are broken throughis a person who lacks self-control.
Study Context for Proverbs 25
As you study Proverbs 25, keep in mind the overarching themes of this old testament book: Wisdom, Fear of the Lord, Righteousness. Observe how the specific events or teachings in this chapter contribute to the book's broader message.
WisdomFear of the LordRighteousness
Observation: What does Proverbs 25 reveal about the character and nature of God? What does it reveal about humanity?
Application: How does the truth presented in this chapter change how you should live, think, or pray today?
Read in context:Proverbs 24Proverbs 26
Study introductions and prompts are supplementary aids, not Scripture. They do not replace prayerful reading, the authority of Scripture, a faithful local church, or pastoral care.
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