1These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
2It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
3As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4Take away the dross from the silver, And there cometh forth a vessel for the refiner:
5Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne shall be established in righteousness.
6Put not thyself forward in the presence of the king, And stand not in the place of great men:
7For better is it 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.
8Go not forth hastily to strive, Lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, When thy neighbor hath put thee to shame.
9Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself , And disclose not the secret of another;
10Lest he that heareth it revile thee, And thine infamy turn not away.
11A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in network of silver.
12As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, So is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
13As 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.
14As clouds and wind without rain, So is he that boasteth himself of his gifts falsely.
15By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
16Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, Lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
17Let thy foot be seldom in thy neighbor’s house, Lest he be weary of thee, and hate thee.
18A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor Is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
19Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
20As one that taketh off a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon soda, So is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.
21If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
22For thou wilt heap coals of fire upon his head, And Jehovah will reward thee.
23The north wind bringeth forth rain; So doth a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.
24It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than with a contentious woman in a wide house.
25As cold waters to a thirsty soul, So is good news from a far country.
26As a troubled fountain, and a corrupted spring, So is a righteous man that giveth way before the wicked.
27It is not good to eat much honey; So for men to search out their own glory is grievous.
28He whose spirit is without restraint Is like a city that is broken down and without walls.