| 1 | These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah: | |
| 2 | It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. | |
| 3 | As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable. | |
| 4 | Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for the silversmith; | |
| 5 | remove the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness. | |
| 6 | Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence, and do not claim a place among great men; | |
| 7 | it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here," than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman. What you have seen with your eyes | |
| 8 | do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame? | |
| 9 | If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man's confidence, | |
| 10 | or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation. | |
| 11 | A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. | |
| 12 | Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear. | |
| 13 | Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters. | |
| 14 | Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give. | |
| 15 | Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. | |
| 16 | If you find honey, eat just enough--too much of it, and you will vomit. | |
| 17 | Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house--too much of you, and he will hate you. | |
| 18 | Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor. | |
| 19 | Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble. | |
| 20 | Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. | |
| 21 | If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. | |
| 22 | In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. | |
| 23 | As a north wind brings rain, so a sly tongue brings angry looks. | |
| 24 | Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. | |
| 25 | Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. | |
| 26 | Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked. | |
| 27 | It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor. | |
| 28 | Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. | |