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

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

3 A s the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

4 T ake away the dross from the silver, and material comes out for the refiner;

5 T ake away the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

6 D on’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king, or claim a place among great men;

7 f or it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.

8 D on’t be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?

9 D ebate your case with your neighbor, and don’t betray the confidence of another;

10 l est one who hears it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart.

11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

12 A s an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.

13 A s the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters.

14 A s clouds and wind without rain, so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.

15 B y patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.

16 H ave you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you eat too much, and vomit it.

17 L et your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house, lest he be weary of you, and hate you.

18 A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.

19 C onfidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble is like a bad tooth, or a lame foot.

20 A s one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

21 I f your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink:

22 f or you will heap coals of fire on his head, and Yahweh will reward you.

23 T he north wind produces rain: so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.

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

25 L ike cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

26 L ike a muddied spring, and a polluted well, so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

27 I t is not good to eat much honey; nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor.

28 L ike a city that is broken down and without walls is a man whose spirit is without restraint.