Proverbs 25
1 These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
Hæ quoque parabolæ Salomonis, quas transtulerunt viri Ezechiæ regis Iuda.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
Gloria Dei est celare verbum, et gloria regum investigare sermonem.
3 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
Cælum sursum, et terra deorsum, et cor regum inscrutabile.
4 Take away the dross from the silver, and material comes out for the refiner.
Aufer rubiginem de argento, et egredietur vas purissimum:
5 Take away 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 Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king, or claim a place amongst great men;
Ne gloriosus appareas coram rege, et in loco magnorum ne steteris.
7 for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.
Melius est enim ut dicatur tibi: Ascende huc; quam ut humilieris coram principe.
8 Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbour shames you?
Quæ viderunt oculi tui, ne proferas in iurgio cito: ne postea emendare non possis, cum dehonestaveris amicum tuum.
9 Debate your case with your neighbour, and don’t betray the confidence of another,
Causam tuam tracta cum amico tuo, et secretum extraneo ne reveles:
10 lest one who hears it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart.
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 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.
Inauris aurea, et margaritum fulgens, qui arguit sapientem, et aurem obedientem.
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.
Sicut frigus nivis in die messis, ita legatus fidelis ei, qui misit eum, animam ipsius requiescere facit.
14 As clouds and wind without rain, so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.
Nubes, et ventus, et pluviæ non sequentes, vir gloriosus, et promissa non complens.
15 By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.
Patientia lenietur princeps, et lingua mollis confringet duritiam.
16 Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you eat too much, and vomit it.
Mel invenisti, comede quod sufficit tibi, ne forte satiatus evomas illud.
17 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbour’s house, lest he be weary of you, and hate you.
Subtrahe pedem tuum de domo proximi tui, nequando satiatus oderit te.
18 A man who gives false testimony against his neighbour is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.
Iaculum, et gladius, et sagitta acuta, homo qui loquitur contra proximum suum falsum testimonium.
19 Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a lame foot.
Dens putridus, et pes lassus, qui sperat super infideli in die angustiæ,
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.
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. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
Si esurierit inimicus tuus, ciba illum: si sitierit, da ei aquam bibere:
22 for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
prunas enim congregabis super caput eius, et Dominus reddet tibi.
23 The north wind produces rain; so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.
Ventus aquilo dissipat pluvias, et facies tristis linguam detrahentem.
24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman.
Melius est sedere in angulo domatis, quam cum muliere litigiosa, et in domo communi.
25 Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
Aqua frigida animæ sitienti, et nuncius bonus de terra longinqua.
26 Like a muddied spring and a polluted well, so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
Fons turbatus pede, et vena corrupta, iustus cadens coram impio.
27 It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it honourable to seek one’s own honour.
Sicut qui mel multum comedit, non est ei bonum: sic qui scrutator est maiestatis, opprimetur a gloria.
28 Like a city that is broken down and without walls is a man whose spirit is without restraint.
Sicut urbs patens et absque murorum ambitu, ita vir, qui non potest in loquendo cohibere spiritum suum.
