1 T hese also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:

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 silver, And it will go to the silversmith for jewelry.

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

6 D o not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of the great;

7 F or it is better that he say 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 o not go hastily to court; For what will you do in the end, When your neighbor has put you to shame?

9 D ebate your case with your neighbor, And do not disclose the secret to another;

10 L est he who hears it expose your shame, And your reputation be ruined.

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

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

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

14 W hoever falsely boasts of giving Is like clouds and wind without rain.

15 B y long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.

16 H ave you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Lest you be filled with it and vomit.

17 S eldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, Lest he become weary of you and hate you.

18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor Is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.

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

20 L ike one who takes away a garment in cold weather, And like vinegar on soda, Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

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

22 F or so you will heap coals of fire 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 dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

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

26 A righteous man who falters before the wicked Is like a murky spring and a polluted well.

27 I t is not good to eat much honey; So to seek one’s own glory is not glory.

28 W hoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls.