Berean Standard Bible

Christian Standard Bible

1These are additional proverbs of Solomon, which were copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:

1These too are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of King Hezekiah of Judah, copied.

2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out.

2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to investigate a matter.

3As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings cannot be searched.

3As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings cannot be investigated.

4Remove the dross from the silver, and a vessel for a silversmith will come forth.

4Remove impurities from silver, and material will be produced for a silversmith.

5Remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

5Remove the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

6Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men;

6Don't boast about yourself before the king, and don't stand in the place of the great;

7for it is better to be told, “Come up here!” than to be demoted in the presence of the prince. Even what you have seen with your own eyes,

7for it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here!" than to demote you in plain view of a noble.

8do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame?

8Don't take a matter to court hastily. Otherwise, what will you do afterward if your opponent humiliates you?

9Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence,

9Make your case with your opponent without revealing another's secret;

10lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your infamy never go away.

10otherwise, the one who hears will disgrace you, and you'll never live it down.

11A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

11A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples in silver settings.

12Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.

12A wise correction to a receptive ear is like a gold ring or an ornament of gold.

13Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.

13To those who send him, a trustworthy envoy is like the coolness of snow on a harvest day; he refreshes the life of his masters.

14Like clouds and wind without rain is the man who boasts of gifts never given.

14The one who boasts about a gift that does not exist is like clouds and wind without rain.

15Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

15A ruler can be persuaded through patience, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

16If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up.

16If you find honey, eat only what you need; otherwise, you'll get sick from it and vomit.

17Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, lest he grow weary and hate you.

17Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house; otherwise, he'll get sick of you and hate you.

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

18A person giving false testimony against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.

19Like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble.

19Trusting an unreliable person in a difficult time is like a rotten tooth or a faltering foot.

20Like one who removes a garment on a cold day or vinegar poured on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

20Singing songs to a troubled heart is like taking off clothing on a cold day or like pouring vinegar on soda.

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

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

22For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

22for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

23As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.

23The north wind produces rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

24Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

24Better to live on the corner of a roof than to share a house with a nagging wife.

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

25Good news from a distant land is like cold water to a parched throat.

26Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked.

26A righteous person who yields to the wicked is like a muddied spring or a polluted well.

27It is not good to eat too much honey or to search out one’s own glory.

27It is not good to eat too much honey or to seek glory after glory.

28Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper.

28A person who does not control his temper is like a city whose wall is broken down.

This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain.

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.