¹¹Timely advice is lovely,like golden apples in a silver basket.
¹²To one who listens, valid criticismis like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.
¹³Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer.They revive the spirit of their employer.
¹⁴A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give itis like clouds and wind that bring no rain.
¹⁵Patience can persuade a prince,and soft speech can break bones.
¹⁶Do you like honey?Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick!
¹⁷Don’t visit your neighbors too often,or you will wear out your welcome.
¹⁸Telling lies about othersis as harmful as hitting them with an ax,wounding them with a sword,or shooting them with a sharp arrow.
¹⁹Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of troubleis like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot.
²⁰Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heartis like taking someone’s coat in cold weatheror pouring vinegar in a wound.#25:20 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads pouring vinegar on soda.
²¹If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat.If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.
²²You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads,and the Lord will reward you.