25:1   Here are more of Solomon's proverbs, copied by scribes at the court of King Hezekiah of Judah.

25:2   We honor God for what he conceals; we honor kings for what they explain.

25:3   You never know what a king is thinking; his thoughts are beyond us, like the heights of the sky or the depths of the ocean.

25:4   Take the impurities out of silver and the artist can produce a thing of beauty.

25:5   Keep evil advisers away from the king and his government will be known for its justice.

25:6   When you stand before the king, don't try to impress him and pretend to be important.

25:7   It is better to be asked to take a higher position than to be told to give your place to someone more important.

25:8   Don't be too quick to go to court about something you have seen. If another witness later proves you wrong, what will you do then?

25:9   If you and your neighbor have a difference of opinion, settle it between yourselves and do not reveal any secrets.

25:10   Otherwise everyone will learn that you can't keep a secret, and you will never live down the shame.

25:11   An idea well-expressed is like a design of gold, set in silver.

25:12   A warning given by an experienced person to someone willing to listen is more valuable than gold rings or jewelry made of the finest gold.

25:13   A reliable messenger is refreshing to the one who sends him, like cold water in the heat of harvest time.

25:14   People who promise things that they never give are like clouds and wind that bring no rain.

25:15   Patient persuasion can break down the strongest resistance and can even convince rulers.

25:16   Never eat more honey than you need; too much may make you vomit.

25:17   Don't visit your neighbors too often; they may get tired of you and come to hate you.

25:18   A false accusation is as deadly as a sword, a club, or a sharp arrow.

25:19   Depending on an unreliable person in a crisis is like trying to chew with a loose tooth or walk with a crippled foot.

25:20   Singing to a person who is depressed is like taking off a person's clothes on a cold day or like rubbing salt in a wound.

25:21   If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them a drink.

25:22   You will make them burn with shame, and the LORD will reward you.

25:23   Gossip brings anger just as surely as the north wind brings rain.

25:24   Better to live on the roof than share the house with a nagging wife.

25:25   Finally hearing good news from a distant land is like a drink of cold water when you are dry and thirsty.

25:26   A good person who gives in to someone who is evil reminds you of a polluted spring or a poisoned well.

25:27   Too much honey is bad for you, and so is trying to win too much praise.

25:28   If you cannot control your anger, you are as helpless as a city without walls, open to attack.