1 These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there cometh forth a vessel for the finer:
5 Take away the wickedfrombefore the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
6 Put not thyself forward in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
7 For 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 Go not forth hastily to strive, lestthou know notwhat to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbourhimself, and disclose not the secret of another:
10 Lest he that heareth it revile thee, and thine infamy turn not away.
11 A word fitly spoken islikeapples of gold in baskets of silver.
12 Asan earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold,so isa wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest,so isa faithful messenger to them that send him; for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
14 Asclouds and wind without rain,so ishe that boasteth himself of his gifts falsely.
15 By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee; lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
17 Let thy foot be seldom in thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and hate thee.
18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble islikea broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
20 Asone that taketh off a garment in cold weather,and asvinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.
21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and theLordshall reward thee.
23 The north wind bringeth forth rain: so doth a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.
24 It is better to dwell in the comer of the housetop, than with a contentious woman in a wide house.
25 Ascold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
26 Asa troubled fountain, and a corrupted spring,so isa righteous man that giveth way before the wicked.
27 It is not good to eat much honey: sofor mento search out their own glory isnotglory.
28 He whose spirit is without restraint islikea city that is broken down and hath no wall.