“These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transcribed.
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
And the glory of kings to search out a matter.”

“As the heavens for height and the earth for depth,
So the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
Remove the dross from the silver,
And a vessel will come out for the refiner;”

“Remove the wicked from the king’s presence,
And his throne will be established in righteousness.
Do not honor yourself in the king’s presence,
And do not stand in the place of the great;”

“For it is better that it be said to you, ‘Come up here,’
Than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince
Whom your eyes have seen.”

“Do not go out hastily to argue your case;
Otherwise, what will you do in the end
When your neighbor humiliates you?
Argue your case with your neighbor,
And do not reveal the secret of another,”

“So that one who hears it will not condemn you,
And the rumor about you will not pass away.
Like apples of gold in settings of silver
Is a word spoken at the right time.”

“Like an earring of gold and a jewelry piece of fine gold
Is a wise rebuker to a listening ear.
Like the cold of snow at harvest time
Is a faithful messenger to those who send him,”

“For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
Like clouds and wind without rain
Is a person who boasts of gifts he does not give.”

“Through patience a ruler may be persuaded,
And a gentle tongue breaks bone.
If you find honey, eat only what you need,
So that you do not have it in excess and vomit it.”

“Let your foot rarely be in your neighbor’s house,
Or he will become tired of you and hate you.
Like a club and a sword and a sharp arrow
Is a person who gives false testimony against his neighbor.”

“Like a bad tooth and an unsteady foot
Is confidence in a treacherous person in time of trouble.
Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on soda,
Is one who sings songs to a troubled heart.”

“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;
And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
For you will heap burning coals on his head,
And the Lord will reward you.”

“The north wind brings rain,
And a gossiping tongue brings an angry face.
It is better to live in a corner of the roof
Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.”

“Like cold water to a weary soul,
So is good news from a distant land.
Like a muddied spring and a polluted well
Is a righteous person who gives way before the wicked.”

“It is not good to eat much honey,
Nor is it glory to search out one’s own glory.
Like a city that is broken into and without walls
Is a person who has no control over his spirit.”

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Context and Meaning

This chapter brings a new wave of imagery and metaphor designed to train the heart in humility, restraint, diplomacy, self-control, and discernment.
These proverbs seem especially geared toward leaders — kings, judges, rulers — yet they apply to every believer who desires to govern their heart with wisdom.

A major theme emerges:

Wisdom purifies — refining motives, words, relationships, and reactions.

Key Themes:

1. God’s Hidden Wisdom: God conceals; kings search — humility is essential (v. 2).
2. Purification: Remove wickedness like dross to preserve righteousness (v. 4–5).
3. Humility in Honor: Let others lift you up (v. 6–7).
4. Private Conflict Resolution: Handle disputes quietly and directly (v. 8–10).
5. Power of Well-Timed Speech: Words can be beauty, jewelry, refreshment (v. 11–13).
6. Boasting Without Action: Promises without performance are empty clouds (v. 14).
7. Gentle Persuasion: Patience and soft words can move hardened hearts (v. 15).
8. Moderation: Even good things (like honey) require restraint (v. 16).
9. Boundaries: Overfamiliarity breeds contempt (v. 17).
10. False Testimony: Lies destroy like weapons (v. 18).
11. Empathy: Singing to the grieving is insensitivity (v. 20).
12. Love Toward Enemies: Kindness conquers hostility (v. 21–22).
13. Gossip’s Damage: It stirs anger and chaos (v. 23).
14. Weakening Before Wickedness: Compromise pollutes righteousness (v. 26).
15. Self-Control: Without it, a person is defenseless (v. 28).

Reflection and Impact

Proverbs 25 teaches that wisdom is as beautiful as gold, as refreshing as cold water, and as valuable as well-placed words.

• Humility before honor – “Do not exalt yourself” (v. 6–7) echoes Luke 14:10.
• Gentle words carry power – (v. 15) parallels Proverbs 15:1 and 2 Timothy 2:25.
• Love your enemies – (v. 21–22) directly foreshadows Romans 12:20.
• Restraint is strength – “A city without walls” (v. 28) connects with Galatians 5:23: self-control is fruit of the Spirit.
• False witness destroys – (v. 18) matches Exodus 20:16 and James 3:5–8.
• Do not envy your own glory – “Not good to seek one’s own glory” (v. 27) aligns with Jeremiah 9:23–24.

Application

• Choose Humility: Let God and others elevate you.
• Refine Your Circle: Remove wicked influences that corrode righteousness.
• Use Words Wisely: Speak truth in season, with beauty and care.
• Set Boundaries: Be present but not intrusive; protect relationships.
• Practice Restraint: Moderation guards the soul from excess.
• Extend Kindness: Bless your enemies — reflect the heart of Christ.
• Reject Gossip: Walk away from rumor and slander.
• Cultivate Self-Control: Guard your spirit like a fortified city.

Closing Thought

Proverbs 25 reveals that wisdom is the art of restraint, humility, and well-timed words.
When the soul is refined like silver and governed like a fortified city, it becomes able to withstand temptation, conflict, and pressure — shining with the beauty of God’s own wisdom.

“Like apples of gold in settings of silver
Is a word spoken at the right time.”