1These are more proverbs of Solomon, which were compiled by the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah: 2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the honor of kings is to discover them. 3As the heavens are high, and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable. 4Purge the dross (impurities) from silver, and the sterling shall be ready for the silversmith. 5Take the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness. 6Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, nor seek to stand among great men; 7For it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here”, than for him to humiliate you by putting you lower in the presence of all. 8Do not go to court hastily, lest you know not what your adversary has evidence of and puts you to shame. 9In a dispute, do not disclose what you have learned in confidence: 10Lest he that hears accuses you of gossip, and your reputation is permanently damaged. 11A word of timely advice is like apples of gold in a silver basket. 12Like an earring or an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise correcting word to a receptive ear. 13Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time, so is a faithful messenger to the one who sends him; for he refreshes the soul of his employer. 14He who promises a gift, but does not give it, is like clouds and wind that bring no rain. 15By patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a tactful word breaks the bone (of resistance). 16If you find honey, eat only as much as is sufficient for you, lest you eat too much, and vomit it. 17Do not visit your neighbor's house too often; or you may no longer be a welcome guest, but despised. 18A man that tells malicious lies about his neighbor is like a war club, a sword, or a sharp arrow. 19Trusting in an unreliable friend in your time of need is like a broken tooth, or a foot out of joint. 20Like one who that takes someone’s coat away in cold weather, or like vinegar upon soda, so is he that sings songs to a grieving heart. 21If your enemy is hungry, give him food; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; 22For by so doing, you shall heap burning coals of shame upon his head, and the LORD shall reward you. 23As the north wind brings rain; so does a backbiting tongue bring an angry look. 24It is better to live in the corner of the attic, than with a contentious woman in a spacious house. 25Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. 26A godly man giving in to the wicked is like a muddied spring or a polluted well. 27It is not good to eat too much honey; nor is it good for men to seek their own glory. 28He that lacks self-control is like a city in ruin and without walls.