Summary
This collection of proverbs reads like a master class in emotional intelligence and social navigation. Solomon opens with workplace wisdom that still rings true today: don't try to impress the boss by pushing yourself forward. Instead, let your work speak for itself and wait to be invited up rather than risk being publicly demoted. He warns against jumping into conflicts without thinking through the consequences - that heated email or confrontation might feel good in the moment, but you'll regret it when you're left scrambling for damage control. The chapter emphasizes the art of direct communication: handle disputes privately with the person involved rather than gossiping to others, because secrets have a way of coming back to bite you. Solomon uses vivid imagery to drive home his points - perfectly timed words are like golden apples in silver settings, while false promises are like storm clouds that never bring rain. He tackles the delicate balance of relationships: even good things like honey or friendship can become toxic if you don't know when to stop. Don't overstay your welcome at someone's house, and don't overindulge even in life's pleasures. Perhaps most powerfully, he presents the radical idea of treating enemies with kindness - not as manipulation, but as a way to break cycles of hostility. The chapter concludes with one of its most memorable images: a person without self-control is like a city with broken walls, defenseless against whatever wants to invade. These aren't just ancient platitudes but practical frameworks for navigating modern workplace dynamics, family tensions, and personal growth. Solomon understands that wisdom isn't about knowing facts - it's about knowing how to live.
Coming Up in Chapter 26
The next chapter opens with a striking image about fools receiving honor they haven't earned - like snow in summer or rain during harvest. Solomon continues exploring the theme of appropriateness and timing, showing how certain behaviors and rewards become destructive when they're out of place.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
T20:025:001 hese are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. 20:025:002 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. 20:025:003 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable. 20:025:004 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. 20:025:005 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness. 20:025:006 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: 20:025:007 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen. 20:025:008 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame. 20:025:009 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: 20:025:010 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away. 20:025:011 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. 20:025:012 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. 20:025:013 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters. 20:025:014 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain. 20:025:015 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone. 20:025:016 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it. 20:025:017 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee. 20:025:018 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow. 20:025:019 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. 20:025:020 As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart. 20:025:021 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: 20:025:022 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee. 20:025:023 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. 20:025:024 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house. 20:025:025 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. 20:025:026 A righteous man falling down before the wicked...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Strategic Restraint - When Less is More
True power comes from knowing when not to act, when not to speak, and when not to push - timing and boundaries create more influence than force ever could.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to recognize when pushing forward signals weakness rather than strength, and when strategic waiting demonstrates true confidence.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when you feel the urge to prove yourself or demand recognition - pause and ask whether your actions are coming from strength or desperation.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Proverb
A short, memorable saying that captures practical wisdom about how to live well. These aren't religious rules but life observations that have proven true across generations.
Modern Usage:
We still use proverbs like 'Don't count your chickens before they hatch' or 'Actions speak louder than words' to give advice.
Dross
The waste material that rises to the surface when refining silver or gold - it has to be skimmed off to get pure metal. Solomon uses this as a metaphor for removing bad influences.
Modern Usage:
We talk about 'cutting out toxic people' or 'removing dead weight' from our lives or workplaces.
Apples of gold in pictures of silver
An ancient artistic technique where golden fruit was displayed in ornate silver frames or settings. Solomon uses this image to describe perfectly timed, well-chosen words.
Modern Usage:
We say someone 'has a way with words' or 'knows exactly what to say' when they communicate skillfully.
Coals of fire
In ancient times, people carried hot coals in containers to start fires. Giving someone coals was actually helping them. Solomon suggests kindness to enemies creates beneficial 'burning' - shame that leads to change.
Modern Usage:
The phrase 'kill them with kindness' captures this same strategy of responding to hostility with unexpected generosity.
City broken down without walls
Ancient cities depended on walls for protection from enemies and wild animals. A city with broken walls was completely vulnerable to any threat.
Modern Usage:
We describe people with poor boundaries as having 'no filter' or being 'all over the place' emotionally.
Faithful messenger
In a world without phones or email, messengers were crucial for business and relationships. A reliable messenger could make or break important deals and connections.
Modern Usage:
We value people who 'follow through' and can be trusted with important information or responsibilities.
Characters in This Chapter
Solomon
Wise teacher
The credited author sharing hard-won wisdom about navigating relationships, work, and personal conduct. He speaks from experience about both success and failure.
Modern Equivalent:
The experienced mentor who's seen it all
The king
Authority figure
Represents any person in power whose favor you need. Solomon warns against trying to impress them through self-promotion rather than letting your work speak for itself.
Modern Equivalent:
The boss or supervisor
The neighbor
Conflict partner
The person you have a dispute with. Solomon emphasizes handling conflicts directly with them rather than involving others or escalating unnecessarily.
Modern Equivalent:
The coworker or family member you're having issues with
The faithful messenger
Reliable ally
Someone who can be trusted to deliver important communications accurately and on time. Solomon compares them to refreshing cold in harvest time.
Modern Equivalent:
The dependable friend who always comes through
Key Quotes & Analysis
"Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince"
Context: Advice about workplace behavior and social positioning
This is timeless career advice about not overselling yourself or trying to grab attention from authority figures. It's better to be invited up than publicly demoted.
In Today's Words:
Don't try to impress the boss by pushing yourself forward - let your work speak for itself and wait to be promoted rather than risk embarrassment.
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver"
Context: Describing the power of well-timed communication
Perfect timing in communication is as beautiful and valuable as fine art. The right words at the right moment can be incredibly powerful and memorable.
In Today's Words:
Knowing exactly what to say at the right moment is like creating something beautiful and precious.
"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls"
Context: Warning about the dangers of lacking self-control
Someone without emotional regulation or personal boundaries is completely vulnerable to whatever comes their way. Self-control is your protection in life.
In Today's Words:
If you can't control yourself, you're defenseless against whatever life throws at you.
"If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head"
Context: Revolutionary advice about dealing with people who oppose you
Responding to hostility with unexpected kindness can completely change the dynamic. It puts the burden of shame on them while freeing you from the cycle of retaliation.
In Today's Words:
Kill your enemies with kindness - it'll make them feel ashamed of their behavior and might actually change their hearts.
Thematic Threads
Workplace Navigation
In This Chapter
Don't push for promotion; let your work earn the invitation up rather than risk public demotion
Development
Builds on earlier wisdom about diligent work, now adding strategic timing
In Your Life:
You might recognize this when you're tempted to demand recognition instead of letting your performance speak for itself
Conflict Management
In This Chapter
Handle disputes privately with the person involved rather than gossiping or jumping into others' fights
Development
Expands previous teachings about wise speech into practical conflict resolution
In Your Life:
You see this when workplace drama erupts and you have to choose between staying out or getting pulled in
Self-Control
In This Chapter
A person without self-control is like a city with broken walls - defenseless against whatever wants to invade
Development
Culminates earlier themes about discipline and wise living with this powerful metaphor
In Your Life:
You experience this when you can't stop yourself from overeating, overspending, or overreacting to situations
Relationship Boundaries
In This Chapter
Don't overstay your welcome - even honey becomes sickening if you eat too much
Development
Introduces the concept that even good things need limits
In Your Life:
You might notice this when a friend starts avoiding you because you've been too needy or overwhelming
Strategic Kindness
In This Chapter
Treat enemies with kindness - give them food and water - to break cycles of hostility
Development
Revolutionary approach that flips conventional wisdom about dealing with opponents
In Your Life:
You could apply this when dealing with a difficult coworker or family member who seems determined to create conflict
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
Solomon says don't push yourself forward at work, but wait to be invited up. What's the difference between this approach and being passive or lazy?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Solomon warn against jumping into other people's conflicts? What usually happens when we insert ourselves into drama that isn't ours?
analysis • medium - 3
Think about your workplace or family dynamics. Where do you see people 'overstaying their welcome' - either physically or emotionally? How does this affect relationships?
application • medium - 4
Solomon suggests treating enemies with kindness to 'heap burning coals on their heads.' How might this strategy actually work in real conflicts, and when might it backfire?
application • deep - 5
The chapter ends with the image of a person without self-control being like a city with broken walls. What does this reveal about the relationship between personal boundaries and personal power?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Power Leaks
Think of a recent situation where you felt frustrated or powerless. Write down what you did and said. Now identify where you might have been 'bleeding power' - pushing too hard, oversharing, jumping into drama, or lacking self-control. Finally, rewrite the scenario using Solomon's approach: strategic restraint, direct communication, and knowing when to stop.
Consider:
- •Consider whether your actions came from strength or desperation
- •Look for moments where you could have paused before reacting
- •Notice if you were trying to control things outside your influence
Journaling Prompt
Write about a relationship or situation where you consistently feel drained. What boundaries might you need to set, and how could strategic restraint actually give you more influence?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 26: Dealing with Difficult People
As the story unfolds, you'll explore to recognize when someone isn't worth arguing with, while uncovering lazy people always have excuses and how to spot them. These lessons connect the classic to contemporary challenges we all face.