New International Version NIV
World English Bible WEB
1 These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men 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 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
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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 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
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As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, So the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
4 Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel;
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Take away the dross from the silver, And material comes out for the refiner;
5 remove wicked officials from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness.
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Take away the wicked from the king's presence, And his throne will be established in righteousness.
6 Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men;
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Don't exalt yourself in the presence of the king, Or claim a place among great men;
7 it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before his nobles. What you have seen with your eyes
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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 do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?
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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 If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence,
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Debate your case with your neighbor, And don't betray the confidence of another;
10 or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand.
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Lest one who hears it put you to shame, And your bad reputation never depart.
11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.
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A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.
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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 Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master.
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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 clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given.
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As clouds and wind without rain, So is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.
15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
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By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.
16 If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit.
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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 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house— too much of you, and they will hate you.
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Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house, Lest he be weary of you, and hate you.
18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.
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A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor Is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.
19 Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.
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Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble Is like a bad tooth, or a lame foot.
20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
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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 your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to 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 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
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For you will heap coals of fire on his head, And Yahweh will reward you.
23 Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look.
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The north wind brings forth rain: So a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.
24 Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
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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 cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.
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Like cold water to a thirsty soul, So is good news from a far country.
26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.
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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 is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.
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It is not good to eat much honey; Nor is it honorable to seek ones own honor.
28 Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.
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Like a city that is broken down and without walls Is a man whose spirit is without restraint.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
The World English Bible is in the public domain.