[1] These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezeki'ah king of
Judah copied. [2] It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory
of kings is to search things out. [3] As the heavens for height, and the
earth for depth, so the mind of kings is unsearchable. [4] Take away the
dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel; [5] take
away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be
established in righteousness. [6] Do not put yourself forward in the king's
presence or stand in the place of the great; [7] for it is better to be
told, "Come up here," than to be put lower in the presence of the prince.
What your eyes have seen [8] do not hastily bring into court; for what will
you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame? [9] Argue your
case with your neighbor himself, and do not disclose another's secret; [10]
lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your ill repute have no
end. [11] A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of
silver. [12] Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to
a listening ear. [13] Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a
faithful messenger to those who send him, he refreshes the spirit of his
masters. [14] Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a
gift he does not give. [15] With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a
soft tongue will break a bone. [16] If you have found honey, eat only
enough for you, lest you be sated with it and vomit it. [17] Let your foot
be seldom 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 war
club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow. [19] Trust in a faithless man in time
of trouble is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips. [20] He who sings
songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day,
and like vinegar on a wound. [21] If your enemy is hungry, give him bread
to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; [22] for you will
heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you. [23] The
north wind brings forth rain; and a backbiting tongue, angry looks. [24] It
is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a
contentious woman. [25] Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news
from a far country. [26] Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a
righteous man who gives way before the wicked. [27] It is not good to eat
much honey, so be sparing of complimentary words. [28] A man without
self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.