Proverbs 25:1-14

1 These are more proverbs of Solomon,
copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:

2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; 

to search out a matter is the glory of kings.

3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, 

so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

4 Remove the dross from the silver, 

and out comes material for the silversmith;

5 remove the wicked from the king's presence, 

and his throne will be established through righteousness.

6 Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence, 

and do not claim a place among great men;

7 it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here," 

than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman. 

What you have seen with your eyes

8 do not bring hastily to court, 

for what will you do in the end 

if your neighbor puts you to shame?

9 If you argue your case with a neighbor, 

do not betray another man's confidence,

10 or he who hears it may shame you 

and you will never lose your bad reputation.

11 A word aptly spoken 

is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold 

is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear.

13 Like the coolness of snow at harvest time 

is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; 

he refreshes the spirit of his masters.

14 Like clouds and wind without rain 

is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.

Questions to consider:

• Compare and contrast the purposes of (a) God and (b) a king.
• Investigate the beautiful meanings of the metaphors that Solomon uses here. Why do you think that he chose them?
• Remember yesterday’s proverb? Why did you select it?

Possibilities for prayer:

Are you as struck by some of Solomon’s metaphors as I am? They’re so apt, and yet simultaneously beautiful! I am particularly fond of verse 14 in this passage. Solomon compares a foreboding sky that does not deliver to someone who claims they’ll do something and then...does not deliver. Today, let’s pray that we would not be the person who fails to come through on our promises. Let’s ask that God would give us wisdom in the claims or promises that we make, and that the only boasting we would do would be about God!