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 honour 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 thyself in the presence of the king , and stand not in the place of great men: 7For better it is 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 neighbour hath put thee to shame . 9Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another : 10Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame , and thine 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 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 . 14Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain .
The Importance of Relationships
15By long forbearing is a prince 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. 17Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house ; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee. 18A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour 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 taketh away a garment in cold weather , and as vinegar upon nitre , so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart . 21If thine enemy be hungry , give him bread to eat ; and if he be thirsty , give him water to drink : 22For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head , and the LORD shall reward thee.
The Dangers of Gossip and Falsehood
23The north wind driveth away rain : so doth 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 hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down , and without walls .