1These are also 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 honor of kings is to search out a matter.
3The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.
5Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
6Put not forth yourself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
7For 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.
8Go not forth hastily to strive, lest you know not what to do in the end thereof, when your neighbor has put you to shame.
9Debate your cause with your neighbor himself; and discover not a secret to another:
10Lest he that hears it put you to shame, and your infamy turn not away.
11A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures 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 them that send him: for he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14Whoever boasts himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
15By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaks the bone.
16Have you found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for you, lest you be filled therewith, and vomit it.
17Withdraw your foot from your neighbor's house; lest he be weary of you, and so hate you.
18A man that bears false witness against his neighbor is a maul, 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 he that takes away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar on nitre, so is he that singes songs to an heavy heart.
21If your enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
22For you shall heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD shall reward you.
23The north wind drives away rain: so does an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
24It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.
25As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
26A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.
27It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
28He that has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.