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

2 I t is the glory of God to conceal a matter, 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 comes out a vessel for the smith;

5 T ake away the wicked before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness.

6 D o not claim honor in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of great men;

7 F or it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” Than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen.

8 D o not go out hastily to argue your case; Otherwise, what will you do in the end, When your neighbor humiliates you?

9 A rgue your case with your neighbor, And do not reveal the secret of another,

10 O r he who hears it will reproach you, And the evil report about you will not pass away.

11 L ike apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances.

12 L ike an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

13 L ike the cold of snow in the time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters.

14 L ike clouds and wind without rain Is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely.

15 B y forbearance a ruler may be persuaded, And a soft tongue breaks the bone.

16 H ave you found honey? Eat only what you need, That you not have it in excess and vomit it.

17 L et your foot rarely be in your neighbor’s house, Or he will become weary of you and hate you.

18 L ike a club and a sword and a sharp arrow Is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.

19 L ike a bad tooth and an unsteady foot Is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble.

20 L ike one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on soda, Is he who sings songs to a troubled heart.

21 I f your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

22 F or you will heap burning coals on his head, And the Lord will reward you.

23 T he north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue, an angry countenance.

24 I t is better to live in a corner of the roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

25 L ike cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a distant land.

26 L ike a trampled spring and a polluted well Is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

27 I t is not good to eat much honey, Nor is it glory to search out one’s own glory.

28 L ike a city that is broken into and without walls Is a man who has no control over his spirit.