| 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. |
