1
These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiahking of Judah copied out .
2
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.3
The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.4
Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer .
5
Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.6
Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
7
For 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 .
8
Go not forthhastily 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 secreta to another:10
Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame , and thine infamy turn not away .
11
A wordfitlybspoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.12
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wisereprover upon an obedientear.13
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithfulmessenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.14Whosoboasteth himself of a falsegift is like clouds and wind without rain.15
By longforbearing is a princepersuaded , and a softtonguebreaketh the bone.16
Hast thou foundhoney?eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
17Withdrawc thy foot from thy neighbour'shouse; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.
18
A man that bearethfalsewitness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharparrow.19Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a brokentooth, and a foot out of joint.20
As he that taketh away a garment in coldweather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singethsongs to an heavyheart.21
If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat ; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink :
22
For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.
23
The northwind driveth awayrain: so doth an angrycountenance a backbitingtongue.24
It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawlingwoman and in a widehouse.25
As coldwaters to a thirstysoul, so is goodnews from a farcountry.26
A righteous man falling downbefore the wicked is as a troubledfountain, and a corruptspring.27
It is not good to eatmuchhoney: 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.