1These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transcribed.

     2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
            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 smith;

     5Take away the wicked from before the king,
            And his throne will be established in righteousness.

     6Do not claim honor 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 argue your case;
            Otherwise, what will you do in the end,
            When your neighbor puts you to shame?

     9Argue your case with your neighbor,
            And do not reveal the secret of another,

     10Lest he who hears it reproach you,
            And the evil report about you not pass away.

     11Like apples of gold in settings of silver
            Is a word spoken in right circumstances.

     12Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
            Is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

     13Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest
            Is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
            For he refreshes the soul of his masters.

     14Like clouds and wind without rain
            Is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely.

     15By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded,
            And a soft tongue breaks the bone.

     16Have you found honey? Eat only what you need,
            Lest you have it in excess and vomit it.

     17Let your foot rarely be in your neighbor’s house,
            Lest he become weary of you and hate you.

     18Like a club and a sword and a sharp arrow
            Is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.

     19Like a bad tooth and an unsteady foot
            Is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble.

     20Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on soda,
            Is he who sings songs to a troubled heart.

     21If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
            And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

     22For you will heap burning coals on his head,
            And the LORD will reward you.

     23The north wind brings forth rain,
            And a backbiting tongue, an angry countenance.

     24It is better to live in a corner of the roof
            Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

     25Like cold water to a weary soul,
            So is good news from a distant land.

     26Like a trampled spring and a polluted well
            Is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

     27It is not good to eat much honey,
            Nor is it glory to search out one’s own glory.

     28Like a city that is broken into and without walls
            Is a man who has no control over his spirit.