I. THE LORD, THE KING, AND THINGS (25:1-7).
 v. 1:  Preserved proverbs for posterity.
 vv. 2,3:  God and kings are very different.  God does not need to “find out”—He already    knows!  Kings must “find out” if they are to do right.  But even kings cannot be    “found out,” for we are not all-knowing either (see Job 11:7,8; 1 Samuel 20:9;    Esther 6).
 vv. 4,5: The power of subtraction (“take away”—twice).
 vv. 6,7: The wisdom of true humility and its results (Luke 14:7-11).

II. WORDS, WORDS, AND MORE WORDS (25:8-15).
 vv. 8-10: Public shame versus private solutions.
 vv. 11,12: The ornamental value of proper words.
 v. 13:  The refreshing power of faithful messengers.
 v. 14:  The disgusting weakness of false boasters.
 v. 15:  Gentle waiting does mighty things.

III. FAIRNESS, UNFAIRNESS, AND BALANCE (25:16-22).
 v. 16:  From sweetness to sickness.
 v. 17:  From familiarity to contempt.
 v. 18:  “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”? “NO!”    says Solomon.  The opposite is the real picture.
 v. 19:  Painful troubles caused by “uncooperative” body parts.
 v. 20:  Are you mean, or just dumb?
 vv. 21,22: Sweet revenge—and possible conversion (Romans 12:19-21).

IV. EARTHLY PHRASES WITH HEAVENLY MEANINGS (25:23-28).
 v. 23:  The north wind teaches me about angry faces.
 v. 24:  The corner of the roof teaches me about contentious women.
 v. 25  Cold water teaches me about good news.
 v. 26  Murky water (polluted well) teaches me about the fallen righteous.
 v. 27:  Much honey teaches me about seeking glory.
 v. 28:  A “ghost town” teaches me about lack of commitment.
 

1.    Who copied out these proverbs of Solomon (v. 1)?
2.    The glory of God is to _________________ and the honor of kings 
       to ______________________ out (v. 2).
3.    To know the heart of kings is as difficult as learning the height of
       _______________ and the depth of the _______________ (v. 3).
4.    How is the refining of silver like the throne of the king (vv. 4,5)?
5.    Should we seek to stand in the place of great men (vv. 6,7; see Luke
       14:8-11)?
6.    To what does hasty action lead (v. 8)?
7.    How should private debates be handled (vv. 9,10)?
8.    To what is a word fitly spoken compared (v. 11)?
9.    How is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear described (v. 12)?
10.  To what is a faithful messenger likened (v. 13)?
11.  Who is like clouds and wind without rain (v. 14)?
12.  How is a prince persuaded (v. 15)?
13.  What cautions are given concerning honey (vv. 16,27)?
14.  From where should we withdraw our feet (v. 17)?
15.  To what is a false witness likened (v. 18)?
16.  To what are unfaithful men likened (v. 19)?
17.  Nitre = “mineral potash”; “potassium or sodium nitrate” (see Jeremiah
       2:22).
18.  Why should we do good to our enemies (vv. 21,22; see Romans 12:20)?
19.  What does verse 23 mean?
20.  With whom is it difficult to dwell (v. 24)?
21.  To what is good news compared (v. 25)?
22.  Is it appropriate for a righteous man to fall down before the wicked
       (v. 26)?
23.  How is a man without self-control like a city without walls (v. 28)?
 

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