11 A word fitly spoken
is like apples of gold in settings of silver. 12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold,
so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.
13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest,
so is a faithful messenger to those who send him;
for he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14 As clouds and wind without rain,
so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.
15 By patience a ruler is persuaded.
A soft tongue breaks the bone.
16 Have you found honey?
Eat as much as is sufficient for you,
lest you eat too much, and vomit it.
17 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house,
lest he be weary of you, and hate you.
18 A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor
is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.
19 Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble
is like a bad tooth, or a lame foot.
20 As one who takes away a garment in cold weather,
or vinegar on soda,
so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat.
If he is thirsty, give him water to drink: 22 for you will heap coals of fire on his head,
and Yahweh will reward you.
23 The north wind brings forth rain:
so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.
24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop,
than to share a house with a contentious woman.
25 Like cold water to a thirsty soul,
so is good news from a far country.
26 Like a muddied spring, and a polluted well,
so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
27 It is not good to eat much honey;
nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor.
28 Like a city that is broken down and without walls
is a man whose spirit is without restraint.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 25:11-28
Commentary on Proverbs 25:11-12
(Read Proverbs 25:11-12)
A word of counsel, or reproof, rightly spoken, is especially beautiful, as fine fruit becomes still more beautiful in silver baskets.
Commentary on Proverbs 25:13
(Read Proverbs 25:13)
See what ought to be the aim of him that is trusted with any business; to be faithful. A faithful minister, Christ's messenger, should be thus acceptable to us.
Commentary on Proverbs 25:14
(Read Proverbs 25:14)
He who pretends to have received or given that which he never had, is like the morning cloud, that disappoints those who look for rain.
Commentary on Proverbs 25:15
(Read Proverbs 25:15)
Be patient to bear a present hurt. Be mild to speak without passion; for persuasive language is the most effectual to prevail over the hardened mind.
Commentary on Proverbs 25:16
(Read Proverbs 25:16)
God has given us leave to use grateful things, but we are cautioned against excess.
Commentary on Proverbs 25:17
(Read Proverbs 25:17)
We cannot be upon good terms with our neighbours, without discretion as well as sincerity. How much better a Friend is God than any other friend! The oftener we come to him, the more welcome.
Commentary on Proverbs 25:18
(Read Proverbs 25:18)
A false testimony is dangerous in every thing.
Commentary on Proverbs 25:19
(Read Proverbs 25:19)
Confidence in an unfaithful man is painful and vexatious; when we put any stress on him, he not only fails, but makes us feel for it.
Commentary on Proverbs 25:20
(Read Proverbs 25:20)
We take a wrong course if we think to relieve those in sorrow by endeavouring to make them merry.
Commentary on Proverbs 25:21-22
(Read Proverbs 25:21-22)
The precept to love even our enemies is an Old Testament commandment. Our Saviour has shown his own great example in loving us when we were enemies.
Commentary on Proverbs 25:23
(Read Proverbs 25:23)
Slanders would not be so readily spoken, if they were not readily heard. Sin, if it receives any check, becomes cowardly.
Commentary on Proverbs 25:24
(Read Proverbs 25:24)
It is better to be alone, than to be joined to one who is a hinderance to the comfort of life.
Commentary on Proverbs 25:25
(Read Proverbs 25:25)
Heaven is a country afar off; how refreshing is good news from thence, in the everlasting gospel, which signifies glad tidings, and in the witness of the Spirit with our spirits that we are God's children!
Commentary on Proverbs 25:26
(Read Proverbs 25:26)
When the righteous are led into sin, it is as hurtful as if the public fountains were poisoned.
Commentary on Proverbs 25:27
(Read Proverbs 25:27)
We must be, through grace, dead to the pleasures of sense, and also to the praises of men.
Commentary on Proverbs 25:28
(Read Proverbs 25:28)
The man who has no command over his anger, is easily robbed of peace. Let us give up ourselves to the Lord, and pray him to put his Spirit within us, and cause us to walk in his statutes.