1 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied: |
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter. |
3 As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable. |
4 Take away the dross from silver, And it will go to the silversmith for jewelry. |
5 Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness. |
6 Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of the great; |
7 For it is better that he say to you, "Come up here," Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen. |
8 Do not go hastily to court; For what will you do in the end, When your neighbor has put you to shame? |
9 Debate your case with your neighbor, And do not disclose the secret to another; |
10 Lest he who hears it expose your shame, And your reputation be ruined. |
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver. |
12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear. |
13 Like the cold of snow in time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters. |
14 Whoever falsely boasts of giving Is like clouds and wind without rain. |
15 By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, And a gentle tongue breaks a bone. |
16 Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Lest you be filled with it and vomit. |
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house, Lest he become weary of you and hate you. |
18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor Is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow. |
19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint. |
20 Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, And like vinegar on soda, Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. |
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; |
22 For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the LORD will reward you. |
23 The north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue an angry countenance. |
24 It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman. |
25 As cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a far country. |
26 A righteous man who falters before the wicked Is like a murky spring and a polluted well. |
27 It is not good to eat much honey; So to seek one's own glory is not glory. |
28 Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls. |