A RULING RIGHTLY GIVEN 

Proverbs 25:1-15 / Keywords 25:11

Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.

More Proverbs of Solomon

25:1 These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:

2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;

    to search out a matter is the glory of kings.

3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,

    so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

4 Remove the dross from the silver,

    and a silversmith can produce a vessel;

5 remove wicked officials from the king’s presence,

    and his throne will be established through righteousness.

6 Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence,

    and do not claim a place among his great men;

7 it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,”

    than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.

What you have seen with your eyes

8     do not bring[a] hastily to court,

for what will you do in the end

    if your neighbor puts you to shame?

9 If you take your neighbor to court,

    do not betray another’s confidence,

10 or the one who hears it may shame you

    and the charge against you will stand.

11 Like apples[b] of gold in settings of silver

    is a ruling rightly given.

12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold

    is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.

13 Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time

    is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him;

    he refreshes the spirit of his master.

14 Like clouds and wind without rain

    is one who boasts of gifts never given.

15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,

    and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

Footnotes

a. Proverbs 25:8 Or nobles / on whom you had set your eyes. / 8 Do not go

b. Proverbs 25:11 Or possibly apricots

1. As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable. So are our neighbors' hearts (3). 

2. If I do not exalt myself, and don’t claim a place among great men, a king or neighbor will move my seat to a high place (6). If I listen to a wise judge (12), am trustworthy (13), and am patient (15) rather than bring others hastily to court (8) or betray another’s confidence (9), they will not put me to shame (8). Even a gentle tongue can break a bone (15). Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given (11). It is priceless. 

3. The tongue is a small part of the body, but it can burn a world like a forest is set on file by a small spark (James 3:5-6). But if I tame the tongue, I can encourage neighbors rather than betray another’s confidence. If I tame the tongue, I can give a right ruling and good counsel to others. 

Prayer Father, help me to listen and speak rightly so that I can build up a kingdom or my neighbor. 

One Word Use my words rightly