[1] These are also 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 honor 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 shall come forth a vessel for the finer.
[5] Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
[6] Put not forth yourself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
[7] For better it is that it be said to you, Come up here; than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince whom your eyes have seen.
[8] Go not forth hastily to strive, lest you know not what to do in the end thereof, when your neighbor has put you to shame.
[9] Debate your cause with your neighbor himself; and discover not a secret to another:
[10] Lest he that hears it put you to shame, and your infamy turn not away.
[11] A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
[12] As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover on an obedient ear.
[13] As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refreshes the soul of his masters.
[14] Whoever boasts himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
[15] By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaks the bone.
[16] Have you found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for you, lest you be filled therewith, and vomit it.
[17] Withdraw your foot from your neighbor’s house; lest he be weary of you, and so hate you.
[18] A man that bears false witness against his neighbor is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
[19] Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
[20] As he that takes away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar on nitre, so is he that singes songs to an heavy heart.
[21] If your enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
[22] For you shall heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD shall reward you.
[23] The north wind drives away rain: so does an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
[24] It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.
[25] As 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] It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
[28] He that has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
