Moff PROV Chapter 25

2 

Mystery is God’s glory,

but a king’s glory is to search out secrets.

3 

High as heaven and deep as earth,

the king’s mind is a mystery

4 

Take dross from silver,

and the silver shines out pure;

5 

remove scoundrels from a king

and his throne will rest on justice.

6 

Never claim honour at court

never push forward among great men:

7 

better be told, “Come higher up,”

than be sent lower down in presence of the king.

8 

Never be in a hurry to repeat

something you may have seen

for what will you do, later on

when you are taxed with it?

9 

Talk the thing over with the other man,

but never give away his secret;

10 

for some hearer may reproach you,

to your lasting shame.

12 

A wise reproof laid on a willing hearer

11 

is like a golden apple laid on silver network;

12 

a golden earring, a necklace of rare gold--

11 

an apt word is like that.

13 

Like snow that cools a harvest drink,

so is a messenger who can be trusted;

he is a treat to those who send him.

14 

Clouds and wind that bring no rain--

like him who promises what he never gives!

15 

An angry man is pacified by forbearance,

and gentle words abate his ire.

16 

If you find honey, eat no more than you need;

you may surfeit yourself and vomit.

17 

Go seldom to your neighbour’s house;

he may grow tired of you, and turn against you.

18 

A club, a sword, a pointed arrow--

so is the man who gives false evidence against his neighbour.

19 

A loose tooth, an unsteady foot--

’tis all the faithless have to support them in trouble.

20 

Singing music to a saddened soul

is like dropping vinegar upon a wound.

21 

If your enemy is hungry give him food,

and give him water if he thirsts;

22 

for so you shall quench blazing passions,

and the Eternal will reward you.

23 

North winds bring rain

slander brings angry looks.

24 

Better a corner on the roof

than a room inside the mansion with a nagging wife.

25 

Like cold water to the thirsty,

so good news from a far land is refreshing.

26 

A fountain fouled, a spring bemired--

so is a good man yielding to the wicked.

27 

It is bad to indulge overmuch in honey;

so be sparing of your compliments.

28 

A man with no control over himself

is like a town with broken walls.