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 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 great men:

7 F or better is it 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 have seen.

8 G o not forth hastily to strive, Lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, When thy neighbor hath put thee to shame.

9 D ebate thy cause with thy neighbor himself, And disclose not the secret of another;

10 L est he that heareth it revile thee, And thine infamy turn not away.

11 A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in network of silver.

12 A s an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, So is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

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

14 A s clouds and wind without rain, So is he that boasteth himself of his gifts falsely.

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 filled therewith, and vomit it.

17 L et thy foot be seldom in thy neighbor's house, Lest he be weary of thee, and hate thee.

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

19 C onfidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

20 A s one that taketh off a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon soda, So is he that singeth songs to a heavy 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 wilt heap coals of fire upon his head, And Jehovah will reward thee.

23 T he north wind bringeth forth rain: So doth a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.

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

25 A s cold waters to a thirsty soul, So is good news from a far country.

26 A s a troubled fountain, and a corrupted spring, So is a righteous man that giveth way before the wicked.

27 I t is not good to eat much honey: So for men to search out their own glory is grievous.

28 H e whose spirit is without restraint Is like a city that is broken down and without walls.