1
These also are proverbs of Shlomo; the men of Hizkiyah king of Y'hudah copied them out:
2
God gets glory from concealing things; kings get glory from investigating things.
3
Like the sky for height or the earth for depth is the heart of kings - unfathomable.
4
Remove the impurities from the silver, and the smith has material to make a vessel.
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Remove the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will rest firmly on righteousness.
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Don't put yourself forward in the king's presence; don't take a place among the great.
7
For it is better to be told, "Come up here,"than be degraded in the presence of a nobleman. What your eyes have seen,
8
don't rush to present in a dispute. For what will you do later on, if your neighbor puts you to shame?
9
Discuss your dispute with your neighbor, but don't reveal another person's secrets.
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If you do, and he hears of it, he will disgrace you, and your bad reputation will stick.
11
Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word appropriately spoken.
12
Like a gold earring, like a fine gold necklace is a wise reprover to a receptive ear.
13
Like the coldness of snow in the heat of the harvest is a faithful messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes his master's spirit.
14
Like clouds and wind that bring no rain is he who boasts of gifts he never gives.