1These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
2It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
3As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4Take away the dross from the silver, And there comes out a vessel for the refiner:
5Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne shall be established in righteousness.
6Do not put yourself forward in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of great men:
7For it is better 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.
8Do not go out hastily to strive, Lest you not know what to do in the end of it, When your neighbor has put you to shame.
9Debate your cause with your neighbor himself, And do not disclose the secret of another;
10Lest he who hears it revile you, And your infamy not turn away.
11A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in network of silver.
12As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, So is a wise reprover on an obedient ear.
13As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, So is a faithful messenger to those who send him; For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14As clouds and wind without rain, So is he who boasts himself of his gifts falsely.
15By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, And a soft tongue breaks the bone.
16Have you found honey? eat as much as is sufficient for you, Lest you be filled with it, and vomit it.
17Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house, Lest he be weary of you, and hate you.
18A man who bears false witness against his neighbor Is a club, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
19Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
20As one who takes off a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar on soda, So is he who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink:
22For you will heap coals of fire on his head, And Yehovah will reward you.
23The north wind brings rain; So does a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.
24It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than with a contentious woman in a wide house.
25As cold waters to a thirsty soul, So is good news from a far country.
26As a muddied fountain, and a corrupted spring, So is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
27It is not good to eat much honey; So for men to search out their own glory is grievous.
28He whose spirit is without restraint Is like a city that is broken down and without walls.