The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Proverbs 25

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Proverbs chapter 25 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.” — the complete text of all 28 verses is below, free to read online.

1These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

2It is the glory of G-d to conceal a thing; but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

3The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.

4Take away the dross from the silver, and there cometh forth a vessel for the refiner;

5Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.

6Glorify not thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men;

7For better is it that it be said unto thee: 'Come up hither', than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom thine eyes have seen.

8Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

9Debate thy cause with thy neighbour, but reveal not the secret of another;

10Lest he that heareth it revile thee, and thine infamy turn not away.

11A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

12As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

13As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to him that sendeth him; for he refresheth the soul of his master.

14As vapours and wind without rain, so is he that boasteth himself of a false gift.

15By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

16Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

17Let thy foot be seldom in thy neighbour's house; lest he be sated with thee, and hate thee.

18As a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow, so is a man that beareth false witness against his neighbour.

19Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

20As one that taketh off a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.

21If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink;

22For thou wilt heap coals of fire upon his head, and HaShem will reward thee.

23The north wind bringeth forth rain, and a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.

24It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than in a house in common with a contentious woman.

25As cold waters to a faint soul, so is good news from a far country.

26As a troubled fountain, and a corrupted spring, so is a righteous man that giveth way before the wicked.

27It is not good to eat much honey; so for men to search out their own glory is not glory.

28Like a city broken down and without a wall, so is he whose spirit is without restraint.

28 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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