1 T hese are also 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 honour of kings is to search out a matter.

3 T he heaven 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 shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

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

6 P ut not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:

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 have seen.

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

9 D ebate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:

10 L est he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

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

12 A s an earring 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 W hoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.

15 B y long forbearing is a prince 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 W ithdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour 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 he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an 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 shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.

23 T he north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

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

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

26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

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

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