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 cometh forth a vessel for the refiner : 5Take away the wicked from before the king , And his throne shall be established in righteousness . 6Put not thyself forward in the presence of the king , And stand not in the place of great men : 7For 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 .
The Value of Patience and Self-Control
8Go not forth hastily to strive , Lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, When thy neighbor hath put thee to shame . 9Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself , And disclose not the secret of another ; 10Lest he that heareth it revile thee , And thine infamy turn not away . 11A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in network of silver . 12As an ear-ring of gold , and an ornament of fine gold , So is a wise reprover upon 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 refresheth the soul of his masters. 14As clouds and wind without rain , So is he that boasteth himself of his gifts falsely .
The Importance of Relationships
15By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded , And a soft tongue breaketh the bone . 16Hast thou found honey ? eat so much as is sufficient for thee , Lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it . 17Let thy foot be seldom in thy neighbor ’s house , Lest he be weary of thee , and hate thee . 18A man that beareth 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 one that taketh off a garment in cold weather , and as vinegar upon soda , So is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart . 21If thine enemy be hungry , give him bread to eat ; And if he be thirsty , give him water to drink : 22For thou wilt heap coals of fire upon his head , And Jehovah will reward thee .
The Dangers of Gossip and Falsehood
23The north wind bringeth forth rain ; So doth 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 troubled fountain , and a corrupted spring , So is a righteous man that giveth 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 .