Proverbs 25
1 These are additional proverbs of Solomon, which were copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:
Hæ quoque parabolæ Salomonis, quas transtulerunt viri Ezechiæ regis Iuda.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out.
Gloria Dei est celare verbum, et gloria regum investigare sermonem.
3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings cannot be searched.
Cælum sursum, et terra deorsum, et cor regum inscrutabile.
4 Remove the dross from the silver, and a vessel for a silversmith will come forth.
Aufer rubiginem de argento, et egredietur vas purissimum:
5 Remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
Aufer impietatem de vultu regis, et firmabitur iustitia thronus eius.
6 Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men;
Ne gloriosus appareas coram rege, et in loco magnorum ne steteris.
7 for it is better that he says to you, “Come up here!” than that you should be demoted in the presence of the prince. Even what you have seen with your own eyes,
Melius est enim ut dicatur tibi: Ascende huc; quam ut humilieris coram principe.
8 do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame?
Quæ viderunt oculi tui, ne proferas in iurgio cito: ne postea emendare non possis, cum dehonestaveris amicum tuum.
9 Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence,
Causam tuam tracta cum amico tuo, et secretum extraneo ne reveles:
10 lest the one who hears may disgrace you, and your infamy never go away.
ne forte insultet tibi cum audierit, et exprobrare non cesset. Gratia et amicitia liberant: quas tibi serva, ne exprobrabilis fias.
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Mala aurea in lectis argenteis, qui loquitur verbum in tempore suo.
12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.
Inauris aurea, et margaritum fulgens, qui arguit sapientem, et aurem obedientem.
13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.
Sicut frigus nivis in die messis, ita legatus fidelis ei, qui misit eum, animam ipsius requiescere facit.
14 Like clouds and wind without rain is the man who boasts of gifts never given.
Nubes, et ventus, et pluviæ non sequentes, vir gloriosus, et promissa non complens.
15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
Patientia lenietur princeps, et lingua mollis confringet duritiam.
16 If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up.
Mel invenisti, comede quod sufficit tibi, ne forte satiatus evomas illud.
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, lest he grow weary and hate you.
Subtrahe pedem tuum de domo proximi tui, nequando satiatus oderit te.
18 Like a club or sword or sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.
Iaculum, et gladius, et sagitta acuta, homo qui loquitur contra proximum suum falsum testimonium.
19 Like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble.
Dens putridus, et pes lassus, qui sperat super infideli in die angustiæ,
20 Like one who removes a garment on a cold day or vinegar poured on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
et amittit pallium in die frigoris. Acetum in nitro, qui cantat carmina cordi pessimo. Sicut tinea vestimento, et vermis ligno: ita tristitia viri nocet cordi.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
Si esurierit inimicus tuus, ciba illum: si sitierit, da ei aquam bibere:
22 For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
prunas enim congregabis super caput eius, et Dominus reddet tibi.
23 As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.
Ventus aquilo dissipat pluvias, et facies tristis linguam detrahentem.
24 Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
Melius est sedere in angulo domatis, quam cum muliere litigiosa, et in domo communi.
25 Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.
Aqua frigida animæ sitienti, et nuncius bonus de terra longinqua.
26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked.
Fons turbatus pede, et vena corrupta, iustus cadens coram impio.
27 It is not good to eat too much honey or to search out one’s own glory.
Sicut qui mel multum comedit, non est ei bonum: sic qui scrutator est maiestatis, opprimetur a gloria.
28 Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper.
Sicut urbs patens et absque murorum ambitu, ita vir, qui non potest in loquendo cohibere spiritum suum.
