1
These also are Solomon's proverbs that were copied by the men of King Hezekiah of Judah.
2
It is the glory of God to hide things but the glory of kings to investigate them.
3
[Like] the high heavens and the deep earth, so the mind of kings is unsearchable.
4
Take the impurities out of silver, and a vessel is ready for the silversmith to mold.
5
Take a wicked person away from the presence of a king, and justice will make his throne secure.
6
Do not brag about yourself in front of a king or stand in the spot that belongs to notable people,
7
because it is better to be told, "Come up here," than to be put down in front of a prince whom your eyes have seen.
8
Do not be in a hurry to go to court. What will you do in the end if your neighbor disgraces you?
9
Present your argument to your neighbor, but do not reveal another person's secret.
10
Otherwise, when he hears about it, he will humiliate you, and his evil report about you will never disappear.
11
[Like] golden apples in silver settings, [so] is a word spoken at the right time.