Proverbs 25

MSG — The Message Bible (MSG)

NLT — New Living Translation Bible (NLT)

Verse 1

There are also these proverbs of Solomon,
collected by scribes of Hezekiah, king of Judah.

These are more proverbs of Solomon, collected by the advisers of King Hezekiah of Judah.

Verse 2

God delights in concealing things;
scientists delight in discovering things.

It is God’s privilege to conceal things
and the king’s privilege to discover them.

Verse 3

Like the horizons for breadth and the ocean for depth,
the understanding of a good leader is broad and deep.

No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth,
or all that goes on in the king’s mind!

Verse 4

Remove impurities from the silver
and the silversmith can craft a fine chalice;
Remove the wicked from leadership
and authority will be credible and God-honoring.

Remove the impurities from silver,
and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith.

Verse 5

— not in MSG

Remove the wicked from the king’s court,
and his reign will be made secure by justice.

Verse 6

Don’t work yourself into the spotlight;
don’t push your way into the place of prominence.
It’s better to be promoted to a place of honor
than face humiliation by being demoted.

Don’t demand an audience with the king
or push for a place among the great.

Verse 7

— not in MSG

It’s better to wait for an invitation to the head table
than to be sent away in public disgrace.

Just because you’ve seen something,

Verse 8

Don’t jump to conclusions—there may be
a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw.

don’t be in a hurry to go to court.
For what will you do in the end
if your neighbor deals you a shameful defeat?

Verse 9

In the heat of an argument,
don’t betray confidences;
Word is sure to get around,
and no one will trust you.

When arguing with your neighbor,
don’t betray another person’s secret.

Verse 10

— not in MSG

Others may accuse you of gossip,
and you will never regain your good reputation.

Verse 11

The right word at the right time
is like a custom-made piece of jewelry,
And a wise friend’s timely reprimand
is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.

Timely advice is lovely,
like golden apples in a silver basket.

Verse 12

— not in MSG

To one who listens, valid criticism
is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.

Verse 13

Reliable friends who do what they say
are like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing!

Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer.
They revive the spirit of their employer.

Verse 14

Like billowing clouds that bring no rain
is the person who talks big but never produces.

A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it
is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.

Verse 15

Patient persistence pierces through indifference;
gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses.

A Person Without Self-Control

Patience can persuade a prince,
and soft speech can break bones.

Verse 16

When you’re given a box of candy, don’t gulp it all down;
eat too much chocolate and you’ll make yourself sick;
And when you find a friend, don’t outwear your welcome;
show up at all hours and he’ll soon get fed up.

Do you like honey?
Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick!

Verse 17

— not in MSG

Don’t visit your neighbors too often,
or you will wear out your welcome.

Verse 18

Anyone who tells lies against the neighbors
in court or on the street is a loose cannon.

Telling lies about others
is as harmful as hitting them with an ax,
wounding them with a sword,
or shooting them with a sharp arrow.

Verse 19

Trusting a double-crosser when you’re in trouble
is like biting down on an abscessed tooth.

Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble
is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot.

Verse 20

Singing light songs to the heavyhearted
is like pouring salt in their wounds.

Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart
is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather
or pouring vinegar in a wound.^[a]

Verse 21

If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch;
if he’s thirsty, bring him a drink.
Your generosity will surprise him with goodness,
and God will look after you.

If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat.
If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.

Verse 22

— not in MSG

You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads,
and the Lord will reward you.

Verse 23

A north wind brings stormy weather,
and a gossipy tongue stormy looks.

As surely as a north wind brings rain,
so a gossiping tongue causes anger!

Verse 24

Better to live alone in a tumbledown shack
than share a mansion with a nagging spouse.

It’s better to live alone in the corner of an attic
than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home.

Verse 25

Like a cool drink of water when you’re worn out and weary
is a letter from a long-lost friend.

Good news from far away
is like cold water to the thirsty.

Verse 26

A good person who gives in to a bad person
is a muddied spring, a polluted well.

If the godly give in to the wicked,
it’s like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring.

Verse 27

It’s not smart to stuff yourself with sweets,
nor is glory piled on glory good for you.

It’s not good to eat too much honey,
and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself.

Verse 28

A person without self-control
is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out.

A person without self-control
is like a city with broken-down walls.