Proverbs

¹²Like an earring or nose ring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to an ear that listens and obeys. ¹³Like the cold of snow [brought from the mountains] in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the life of his masters. ¹⁴Whoever falsely boasts of gifts [he does not give] is like clouds and wind without rain. [Jude 12.] ¹⁵By long forbearance and calmness of spirit a judge or ruler is persuaded, and soft speech breaks down the most bonelike resistance. [Gen. 32:4; I Sam. 25:24; Prov. 15:1; 16:14.] ¹⁶Have you found [pleasure sweet like] honey? Eat only as much as is sufficient for you, lest, being filled with it, you vomit it. ¹⁷Let your foot seldom be in your neighbor's house, lest he become tired of you and hate you. ¹⁸A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a heavy sledgehammer and a sword and a sharp arrow.