Hebrew Names Version HNV
The Message Bible MSG
1 These also are proverbs of Shlomo, which the men of Hizkiyahu king of Yehudah copied out.
1
There are also these proverbs of Solomon, collected by scribes of Hezekiah, king of Judah.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
2
God delights in concealing things; scientists delight in discovering things.
3 As the heavens for height, and the eretz for depth, So the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
3
Like the horizons for breadth and the ocean for depth, the understanding of a good leader is broad and deep.
4 Take away the dross from the silver, And material comes out for the refiner;
4
Remove impurities from the silver and the silversmith can craft a fine chalice;
5 Take away the wicked from the king's presence, And his throne will be established in righteousness.
5
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 claim a place among great men;
6
Don't work yourself into the spotlight; don't push your way into the place of prominence.
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.
7
It's better to be promoted to a place of honor than face humiliation by being demoted.
8 Don't be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?
8
Don't jump to conclusions - there may be a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw.
9 Debate your case with your neighbor, And don't betray the confidence of another;
9
In the heat of an argument, don't betray confidences;
10 Lest one who hears it put you to shame, And your bad reputation never depart.
10
Word is sure to get around, and no one will trust you.
11 A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
11
The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry,
12 As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, So is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.
12
And a wise friend's timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.
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.
13
Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat - refreshing!
14 As clouds and wind without rain, So is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.
14
Like billowing clouds that bring no rain is the person who talks big but never produces.
15 By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.
15
Patient persistence pierces through indifference; gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses. A Person Without Self-Control
16 Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, Lest you eat too much, and vomit it.
16
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 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house, Lest he be weary of you, and hate you.
17
And when you find a friend, don't outwear your welcome; show up at all hours and he'll soon get fed up.
18 A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor Is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.
18
Anyone who tells lies against the neighbors in court or on the street is a loose cannon.
19 Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble Is like a bad tooth, or a lame foot.
19
Trusting a double-crosser when you're in trouble is like biting down on an abscessed tooth.
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.
20
Singing light songs to the heavyhearted is like pouring salt in their wounds.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; If he is thirsty, give him water to drink:
21
If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch; if he's thirsty, bring him a drink.
22 For you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the LORD will reward you.
22
Your generosity will surprise him with goodness, and God will look after you.
23 The north wind brings forth rain: So a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.
23
A north wind brings stormy weather, and a gossipy tongue stormy looks.
24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than to share a house with a contentious woman.
24
Better to live alone in a tumbledown shack than share a mansion with a nagging spouse.
25 Like cold water to a thirsty soul, So is good news from a far country.
25
Like a cool drink of water when you're worn out and weary is a letter from a long-lost friend.
26 Like a muddied spring, and a polluted well, So is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
26
A good person who gives in to a bad person is a muddied spring, a polluted well.
27 It is not good to eat much honey; Nor is it honorable to seek ones own honor.
27
It's not smart to stuff yourself with sweets, nor is glory piled on glory good for you.
28 Like a city that is broken down and without walls Is a man whose spirit is without restraint.
28
A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out.
The Hebrew Names Version is in the public domain.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.