Proverbs 25:15
13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14 Like clouds and wind without rain is the man who boasts of gifts never given.
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16 If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up.
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, lest he grow weary and hate you.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
- KJV
- By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
- WEB
- By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.
- ASV
- By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
- DARBY
- By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
- BLB
- With slowness of anger a ruler may be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
- ÅB
- Ved saktmodighet blir en fyrste overtalt, og en mild tunge knuser ben.
- OTB
- Med tålmodighet kan en hersker overtales, og en mild tunge kan bryte et bein.
- B1930
- Ved saktmodighet blir en fyrste overtalt, og en mild tunge knuser ben.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Ecclesiastes 10:4
If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.
Read in contextProverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Read in contextProverbs 16:14
The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.
Read in contextGenesis 32:4–21
He instructed them, “You are to say to my master Esau, ‘Your servant Jacob says: I have been staying with Laban and have remained there until now.
Read in context1 Samuel 25:24–44
She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant.
Read in context1 Samuel 25:14
Meanwhile, one of Nabal’s young men informed Nabal’s wife Abigail, “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he scolded them.
Read in context