1 T hese are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah transcribed.

2 I t is the glory of God to conceal a thing; but the glory of kings is to search out a thing.

3 T he heavens for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.

4 T ake away the dross from the silver, and there cometh forth a vessel for the refiner:

5 t ake away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.

6 P ut not thyself forward in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of the great;

7 f or better it is 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 see.

8 G o not forth hastily to strive, lest what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

9 D ebate thy cause with thy neighbour, but reveal not the secret of another;

10 l est he that heareth disgrace thee, and thine evil report turn not away.

11 a pples of gold in pictures of silver, is a word spoken in season.

12 A n ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, is a wise reprover upon an attentive ear.

13 A s the cold of snow in the time of harvest, is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

14 C louds and wind without rain, is a man that boasteth himself of a false gift.

15 B y long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

16 H ast thou found honey? Eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be surfeited therewith, and vomit it.

17 L et thy foot be seldom in thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee and hate thee.

18 A maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow, is a man that beareth false witness against his neighbour.

19 A broken tooth, and a tottering foot, is confidence in an unfaithful in the day of trouble.

20 h e that taketh off a garment in cold weather, vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to a sad heart.

21 I f thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

22 f or thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and Jehovah shall reward thee.

23 T he north wind bringeth forth rain, and the angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

24 I t is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a contentious woman, and a house in common.

25 c old waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

26 A troubled fountain, and a defiled well, is a righteous that giveth way before the wicked.

27 I t is not good to eat much honey; and to search into weighty matters is a weight.

28 H e that hath no rule over his own spirit is a city broken down, without walls.