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