2 
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
3 
As the heavens for height and the earth for depth,
So the hearts and minds of kings are a]unsearchable.
4 
Take away the dross from the silver,
And there comes out [the pure metal for] a vessel for the silversmith [to shape].
5 
Take away the wicked from before the king,
And his throne will be established in righteousness.
6 
Do not be boastfully ambitious and claim honor in the presence of the king,
And do not stand in the place of great men;
7 
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.

8 
Do not rush out to argue your case [before magistrates or judges];
Otherwise what will you do in the end [when your case is lost and]
When your neighbor (opponent) humiliates you?
9 
Argue your case with your neighbor himself [before you go to court];
And do not reveal another’s secret,
10 
Or he who hears it will shame you
And the rumor about you [and your action in court] will have no end.

11 
Like apples of gold in settings of silver
Is a word spoken at the right time.
12 
Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
Is a wise reprover to an ear that listens and learns.
13 
Like the cold of snow [brought from the mountains] in the time of harvest,
So is a faithful messenger to those who send him;
For he refreshes the life of his masters.
14 
Like clouds and wind without rain
Is a man who boasts falsely of gifts [he does not give].
15 
By patience and a calm spirit a ruler may be persuaded,
And a soft and gentle tongue breaks the bone [of resistance].
16 
Have you found [pleasure sweet like] honey? Eat only as much as you need,
Otherwise, being filled excessively, you vomit it.
17 
Let your foot seldom be in your neighbor’s house,
Or he will become tired of you and hate you.
18 
Like a club and a sword and a piercing arrow
Is a man who testifies falsely against his neighbor (acquaintance).
19 
Like a broken tooth or an unsteady foot
Is confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble.
20 
Like one who takes off a garment in cold weather, or like [a reactive, useless mixture of] vinegar on soda,
Is he who [thoughtlessly] sings [joyful] songs to a heavy heart.
21 
If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;
And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
22 
For in doing so, you will b]heap coals of fire upon his head,
And the Lord will reward you.
23 
The north wind brings forth rain;
And a backbiting tongue, an angry countenance.
24 
It is better to live in a corner of the housetop [on the flat roof, exposed to the weather]
Than in a house shared with a quarrelsome (contentious) woman.
25 
Like cold water to a thirsty soul,
So is good news from a distant land.
26 
Like a muddied fountain and a polluted spring
Is a righteous man who yields and compromises his integrity before the wicked.
27 
It is not good to eat much honey,
Nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.
28 
Like a city that is broken down and without walls [leaving it unprotected]
Is a man who has no self-control over his spirit [and sets himself up for trouble].

 

And More Simplified Translation

 

25 Here are more of Solomon's proverbs, copied by scribes at the court of King Hezekiah of Judah.

2 We honor God for what he conceals; we honor kings for what they explain.

3 You never know what a king is thinking; his thoughts are beyond us, like the heights of the sky or the depths of the ocean.

4 Take the impurities out of silver and the artist can produce a thing of beauty. 5 Keep evil advisers away from the king and his government will be known for its justice.

6 When you stand before the king, don't try to impress him and pretend to be important. 7 It is better to be asked to take a higher position than to be told to give your place to someone more important.

8 Don't be too quick to go to court about something you have seen. If another witness later proves you wrong, what will you do then?

9 If you and your neighbor have a difference of opinion, settle it between yourselves and do not reveal any secrets. 10 Otherwise everyone will learn that you can't keep a secret, and you will never live down the shame.

11 An idea well-expressed is like a design of gold, set in silver.

12 A warning given by an experienced person to someone willing to listen is more valuable than gold rings or jewelry made of the finest gold.

13 A reliable messenger is refreshing to the one who sends him, like cold water in the heat of harvest time.

14 People who promise things that they never give are like clouds and wind that bring no rain.

15 Patient persuasion can break down the strongest resistance and can even convince rulers.

16 Never eat more honey than you need; too much may make you vomit. 17 Don't visit your neighbors too often; they may get tired of you and come to hate you.

18 A false accusation is as deadly as a sword, a club, or a sharp arrow.

19 Depending on an unreliable person in a crisis is like trying to chew with a loose tooth or walk with a crippled foot.

20 Singing to a person who is depressed is like taking off a person's clothes on a cold day or like rubbing salt in a wound.

21 If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them a drink. 22 You will make them burn with shame, and the Lord will reward you.

23 Gossip brings anger just as surely as the north wind brings rain.

24 Better to live on the roof than share the house with a nagging wife.

25 Finally hearing good news from a distant land is like a drink of cold water when you are dry and thirsty.

26 A good person who gives in to someone who is evil reminds you of a polluted spring or a poisoned well.

27 Too much honey is bad for you, and so is trying to win too much praise.a]

28 If you cannot control your anger, you are as helpless as a city without walls, open to attack.

 

Now:

 

There are two very bad contentious women in i3 Forum

 

Joetay of whom Admin has banned

 

See

 

 

 

Another one is Madam KoonBee

 

This one should also be avoided for being very contentious & quarrelsome

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So try to avoid them, ok?

 

Warm Regards

 

Calvin Tan, Singapore

 

 

 

ONE MORE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And Some More