Proverbs

⁹Argue your cause with your neighbor himself; discover not and disclose not another's secret, [Matt. 18:15.] ¹⁰Lest he who hears you revile you and bring shame upon you and your ill repute have no end. ¹¹A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver. [Prov. 15:23; Isa. 50:4.] 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.]