8 aDo not go hastily to
1 court;
For what will you do in the end,
When your neighbor has put you to shame?
9 aDebate your case with your neighbor,
And do not disclose the secret to another;
10 Lest he who hears
it expose your shame,
And
1 your reputation be ruined.
11 A word fitly
aspoken
is like apples of gold
In settings of silver.
12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.
13 aLike the cold of snow in time of harvest
Is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14 aWhoever falsely boasts of giving
Is like bclouds and wind without rain.
15 aBy long forbearance a ruler is persuaded,
And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.
16 Have you found honey?
Eat only as much as you need,
Lest you be filled with it and vomit.
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house,
Lest he become weary of you and hate you.
18 aA man who bears false witness against his neighbor
Is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.
New King James Version®, Copyright© 1982, Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.
