Common English Bible CEB
The Message Bible MSG
1 These are also proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah:
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There are also these proverbs of Solomon, collected by scribes of Hezekiah, king of Judah.
2 It is the glory of God to hide something and the glory of kings to discover something.
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God delights in concealing things; scientists delight in discovering things.
3 Like the high heavens and the depths of the earth, so the mind of a king is unsearchable.
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Like the horizons for breadth and the ocean for depth, the understanding of a good leader is broad and deep.
4 Remove the dross from the silver, and a vessel will come out for the refiner.
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Remove impurities from the silver and the silversmith can craft a fine chalice;
5 Remove the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
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Remove the wicked from leadership and authority will be credible and God-honoring.
6 Don't exalt yourself in the presence of the king, or stand in the place of important people,
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Don't work yourself into the spotlight; don't push your way into the place of prominence.
7 because it is better that he say to you, "Come up here," than to be demoted before a ruler. What your eyes see,
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It's better to be promoted to a place of honor than face humiliation by being demoted.
8 don't be quick to quarrel over; what will you do in the future when your neighbor shames you?
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Don't jump to conclusions - there may be a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw.
9 Argue it out with your neighbor, and don't give away someone's secret.
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In the heat of an argument, don't betray confidences;
10 Otherwise, the one who hears it will vilify you; the slander against you will never stop.
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Word is sure to get around, and no one will trust you.
11 Words spoken at the right time are like gold apples in a silver setting.
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The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry,
12 Wise correction to an ear that listens is like a gold earring or jewelry of fine gold.
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And a wise friend's timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.
13 Like the coolness of snow on a harvest day are reliable messengers to those who send them; they restore the life of their master.
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Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat - refreshing!
14 People who brag about a gift never given are like clouds and wind that produce no rain.
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Like billowing clouds that bring no rain is the person who talks big but never produces.
15 A commander can be persuaded with patience, and a tender tongue can break a bone.
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Patient persistence pierces through indifference; gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses. A Person Without Self-Control
16 If you find honey, eat just the right amount; otherwise, you'll get full and vomit it up.
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When you're given a box of candy, don't gulp it all down; eat too much chocolate and you'll make yourself sick;
17 Don't spend too much time in your neighbor's house. Otherwise, they'll get fed up with you and hate you.
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And when you find a friend, don't outwear your welcome; show up at all hours and he'll soon get fed up.
18 People who testify falsely against their neighbors are like a club, sword, and sharpened arrow.
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Anyone who tells lies against the neighbors in court or on the street is a loose cannon.
19 Trusting a treacherous person at a difficult time is like having a bad tooth or a wobbly foot.
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Trusting a double-crosser when you're in trouble is like biting down on an abscessed tooth.
20 Singing a song to a troubled heart is like taking off a garment on a cold day or putting vinegar on a wound.
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Singing light songs to the heavyhearted is like pouring salt in their wounds.
21 If your enemies are starving, feed them some bread; if they are thirsty, give them water to drink.
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If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch; if he's thirsty, bring him a drink.
22 By doing this, you will heap burning coals on their heads, and the LORD will reward you.
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Your generosity will surprise him with goodness, and God will look after you.
23 The north wind stirs up rain, and a person who plots quietly provokes angry faces.
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A north wind brings stormy weather, and a gossipy tongue stormy looks.
24 Better to live on the edge of a roof than to share a house with a contentious woman.
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Better to live alone in a tumbledown shack than share a mansion with a nagging spouse.
25 Good news from a distant land is like cold water for a weary person.
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Like a cool drink of water when you're worn out and weary is a letter from a long-lost friend.
26 A righteous person giving in to the wicked is like a contaminated spring or a polluted fountain.
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A good person who gives in to a bad person is a muddied spring, a polluted well.
27 Eating too much honey isn't good, nor is it appropriate to seek honor.
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It's not smart to stuff yourself with sweets, nor is glory piled on glory good for you.
28 A person without self-control is like a breached city, one with no walls.
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A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out.