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Proverbs 25

Proverbs 25 links wise rule and wise relationships through humility, trustworthy speech, kindness toward enemies, and restraint.

Men serving Hezekiah king of Judah have copied out another collection of Solomon’s proverbs. The sayings begin with God’s hidden knowledge and the duties of kings, then turn to conduct in court and among neighbors. Images of precious metal, weather, food, and damaged defenses show the worth of measured speech and restraint. The collection also addresses kindness toward enemies, care around a grieving person, and the harm caused by false witnesses and unreliable people.

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1These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
2It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
3As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
4Take away the dross from the silver, and material comes out for the refiner.
5Take away the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king, or claim a place among great men;
7for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.
8Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?
9Debate your case with your neighbor, and don’t betray the confidence of another,
11A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
12As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.
13As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14As clouds and wind without rain, so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.
15By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.
16Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you eat too much, and vomit it.
18A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.
19Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a lame foot.
20As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar on soda, so 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;
22for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
23The north wind produces rain; so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.
24It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman.
25Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
26Like a muddied spring and a polluted well, so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
27It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor.
28Like a city that is broken down and without walls is a man whose spirit is without restraint.
World English BibleRead in NIV in Psalmlog →Highlighted verses are the most connected.
Key verses
Proverbs 25:21The command to feed a hungry enemy makes kindness part of wisdom even where hostility exists.
Proverbs 25:11The image of gold set in silver highlights the worth of words suited to their moment.
Proverbs 25:8This warning introduces counsel about disputes, where haste and exposed confidences can bring lasting shame.
Where this chapter reaches

Romans quotes the command to feed a hungry enemy and the image of burning coals, placing them within teaching about overcoming evil with good. Luke shares the counsel to take a lower place rather than claim honor, while Matthew also teaches love for enemies.

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After reading the whole chapter

Which contrast between helpful and harmful speech stands out to you, and why?

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How does the image of a city without walls shape your understanding of restraint?

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Questions people ask about Proverbs 25

Who wrote Proverbs 25?

Verse 1 identifies these sayings as proverbs of Solomon and says that men serving Hezekiah king of Judah copied them out. It distinguishes the source of the proverbs from the later work of collecting or transcribing them. The chapter does not name those men or describe their process.

What does heaping coals of fire on an enemy’s head mean?

Verses 21–22 command feeding a hungry enemy and giving water to a thirsty one, then describe coals of fire and YHWH’s reward. The image’s exact force is debated; shame or remorse is a common reading. The clear instruction is to meet an enemy’s need, leaving the outcome with God.

What are the apples of gold in Proverbs 25:11?

The verse compares a well-chosen word to apples of gold in silver settings. The precise object pictured is uncertain, but its precious materials convey worth and fitting craftsmanship. The next verse compares wise correction received by a willing listener to gold jewelry, extending the picture of valuable speech.

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Proverbs · 31 chapters
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Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY). Scripture from the World English Bible (public domain). Arc diagram after Chris Harrison and Christoph Römhild (2007).