Good News Translation GNT
World English Bible WEB
1 Here are more of Solomon's proverbs, copied by scribes at the court of King Hezekiah of Judah.
1
These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
2 We honor God for what he conceals; we honor kings for what they explain.
2
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
3 You never know what a king is thinking; his thoughts are beyond us, like the heights of the sky or the depths of the ocean.
3
As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, So the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
4 Take the impurities out of silver and the artist can produce a thing of beauty.
4
Take away the dross from the silver, And material comes out for the refiner;
5 Keep evil advisers away from the king and his government will be known for its justice.
5
Take away the wicked from the king's presence, And his throne will be established in righteousness.
6 When you stand before the king, don't try to impress him and pretend to be important.
6
Don't exalt yourself in the presence of the king, Or claim a place among great men;
7 It is better to be asked to take a higher position than to be told to give your place to someone more important.
7
For it is better that it be said to you, "Come up here," Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen.
8 Don't be too quick to go to court about something you have seen. If another witness later proves you wrong, what will you do then?
8
Don't be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?
9 If you and your neighbor have a difference of opinion, settle it between yourselves and do not reveal any secrets.
9
Debate your case with your neighbor, And don't betray the confidence of another;
10 Otherwise everyone will learn that you can't keep a secret, and you will never live down the shame.
10
Lest one who hears it put you to shame, And your bad reputation never depart.
11 An idea well-expressed is like a design of gold, set in silver.
11
A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
12 A warning given by an experienced person to someone willing to listen is more valuable than gold rings or jewelry made of the finest gold.
12
As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, So is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.
13 A reliable messenger is refreshing to the one who sends him, like cold water in the heat of harvest time.
13
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, So is a faithful messenger to those who send him; For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14 People who promise things that they never give are like clouds and wind that bring no rain.
14
As clouds and wind without rain, So is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.
15 Patient persuasion can break down the strongest resistance and can even convince rulers.
15
By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.
16 Never eat more honey than you need; too much may make you vomit.
16
Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, Lest you eat too much, and vomit it.
17 Don't visit your neighbors too often; they may get tired of you and come to hate you.
17
Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house, Lest he be weary of you, and hate you.
18 A false accusation is as deadly as a sword, a club, or a sharp arrow.
18
A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor Is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.
19 Depending on an unreliable person in a crisis is like trying to chew with a loose tooth or walk with a crippled foot.
19
Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble Is like a bad tooth, or a lame foot.
20 Singing to a person who is depressed is like taking off a person's clothes on a cold day or like rubbing salt in a wound.
20
As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, Or vinegar on soda, So is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21 If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them a drink.
21
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; If he is thirsty, give him water to drink:
22 You will make them burn with shame, and the Lord will reward you.
22
For you will heap coals of fire on his head, And Yahweh will reward you.
23 Gossip brings anger just as surely as the north wind brings rain.
23
The north wind brings forth rain: So a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.
24 Better to live on the roof than share the house with a nagging wife.
24
It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than to share a house with a contentious woman.
25 Finally hearing good news from a distant land is like a drink of cold water when you are dry and thirsty.
25
Like cold water to a thirsty soul, So is good news from a far country.
26 A good person who gives in to someone who is evil reminds you of a polluted spring or a poisoned well.
26
Like a muddied spring, and a polluted well, So is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
27 Too much honey is bad for you, and so is trying to win too much praise.
27
It is not good to eat much honey; Nor is it honorable to seek ones own honor.
28 If you cannot control your anger, you are as helpless as a city without walls, open to attack.
28
Like a city that is broken down and without walls Is a man whose spirit is without restraint.