Third Millennium Bible TMB
New International Version NIV
1 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, copied out:
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These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.
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It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
3 As the heaven for height and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.
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As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the refiner.
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Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel;
5 Take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
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remove wicked officials from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness.
6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men;
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Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his 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.
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it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before his nobles. What you have seen with your eyes
8 Go not forth hastily to contend, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof when thy neighbor hath put thee to shame.
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do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?
9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself, and disclose not a secret to another,
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If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence,
10 lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
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or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand.
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
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Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.
12 As an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
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Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.
13 As the cold of snow at the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him, for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
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Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master.
14 Whoso boasteth himself of his gifts falsely is like clouds and wind without rain.
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Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.