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    [a]Do not push yourself forward in the king’s presence
    or take a place where the great assemble.
For it is better to be told, “Come up closer,”
    than to be humiliated in the presence of the prince.

Observations and Recommendations[b]

What your eyes have witnessed,
    do not hastily testify to at the trial;
for what will you do at the end
    when your neighbor puts you to shame?

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 25:6 Jesus spoke of a similar situation and called for humility (see Lk 14:10).
  2. Proverbs 25:8 In these varied sayings, one will find many considerations about human relations: trials, the true word, fidelity. There is also a less current idea that recommends going to the aid of enemies (vv. 21-22), which is cited by Paul in Rom 12:20 to inculcate love of enemies; the coals may signify the remorse that leads to repentance.

Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence,
    and do not claim a place among his great men;
it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,”(A)
    than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.

What you have seen with your eyes
    do not bring[a] hastily to court,
for what will you do in the end
    if your neighbor puts you to shame?(B)

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Footnotes

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