1
These are more wise sayings of Solomon, copied out by the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah.
2
It is the glory of God to keep a thing secret: but the glory of kings is to have it searched out.
3
The heaven is high and the earth is deep, and the hearts of kings may not be searched out.
4
Take away the waste from silver, and a vessel will come out for the silver-worker.
5
Take away evil-doers from before the king, and the seat of his power will be made strong in righteousness.
6
Do not take glory for yourself before the king, and do not put yourself in the place of the great:
7
For it is better to have it said to you, Come up here; than for you to be put down in a lower place before the ruler.
8
Do not be quick to go to law about what you have seen, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbour has put you to shame?
9
Have a talk with your neighbour himself about your cause, but do not give away the secret of another: