Proverbs 25

These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

Take away the dross from the silver, and material comes out for the refiner.

Take away the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king, or claim a place among great men;

for 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.

Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?

Debate your case with your neighbor, and don’t betray the confidence of another,

lest one who hears it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart.

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.

As 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.

As clouds and wind without rain, so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.

By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.

Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you eat too much, and vomit it.

Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house, lest he be weary of you, and hate you.

A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.

Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a lame foot.

As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

The north wind produces rain; so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.

It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman.

Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

Like a muddied spring and a polluted well, so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor.

Like a city that is broken down and without walls is a man whose spirit is without restraint.

Chapter overviewAI-generated

Overview.
This chapter presents a collection of proverbs copied during King Hezekiah’s reign, focusing on wisdom in royal, social, and moral life. It emphasizes the dignity of discretion, the value of humility, and the importance of moral integrity in leadership and personal conduct, fitting within Proverbs’ broader theme of practical godliness.

Flow.

Begins with the divine wisdom of concealment and the royal duty to investigate truth, using metaphors of nature and refining metals.
Turns to courtly conduct, warning against self-exaltation and rash litigation, while urging private resolution and fidelity to confidence.
Offers images of wise speech as beautiful and life-giving, contrasted with vanity, falsehood, and unrestrained anger.
Ends with exhortations to self-control, mercy toward enemies, and the peril of moral compromise or unchecked passions.

Connections.
Following chapter 24, which underscores wisdom’s role in security and the peril of sloth, chapter 25 extends the application of wisdom to public and political life, particularly under human authority. It deepens the connection between righteousness and social stability introduced earlier, especially in the call to remove the wicked from the king’s court (cf. ). This prepares for chapter 26, which resumes the focus on folly and the disorders that wisdom must resist, especially in speech and relationships, creating a seamless progression from personal discipline to societal order.

What it teaches.
True wisdom honors God by seeking justice and truth, recognizing that divine glory lies in mystery, while human authority reflects God’s order when guided by righteousness (WCF 23.1). Leaders must purge evil to establish justice (; cf. WCF 24.1), and individuals must guard speech, avoid pride, and act with restraint (; cf. HC LD 43). Mercy to enemies fulfills divine justice and trust in God’s reward (; cf. WLC 137), and integrity in witness and promise reflects the moral purity God requires (; cf. WCF 19.2). The chapter upholds self-mastery as essential to wisdom’s character, echoing the internal renewal called for in the law and gospel (; cf. HC LD 32).

Apply.
When wronged, act with kindness not retaliation, leaving room for God’s justice.

AI-generated. Not a substitute for Scripture, your pastor, or the confessions.