New King James Version NKJV
Revised Standard Version RSV
1 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:
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These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezeki'ah king of Judah copied.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
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It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.
3 As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
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As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the mind of kings is unsearchable.
4 Take away the dross from silver, And it will go to the silversmith for jewelry.
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Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel;
5 Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness.
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take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6 Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of the great;
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Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence or stand in the place of the great;
7 For it is better that he say to you, "Come up here," Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen.
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for it is better to be told, "Come up here," than to be put lower in the presence of the prince. What your eyes have seen
8 Do not go hastily to court; For what will you do in the end, When your neighbor has put you to shame?
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do not hastily bring into court; for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame?
9 Debate your case with your neighbor, And do not disclose the secret to another;
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Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not disclose another's secret;
10 Lest he who hears it expose your shame, And your reputation be ruined.
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lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your ill repute have no end.
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.
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A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.
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Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
13 Like the cold of snow in time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
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Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him, he refreshes the spirit of his masters.
14 Whoever falsely boasts of giving Is like clouds and wind without rain.
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Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.
15 By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.
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With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.
16 Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Lest you be filled with it and vomit.
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If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you be sated with it and vomit it.
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house, Lest he become weary of you and hate you.
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Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house, lest he become weary of you and hate you.
18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor Is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.
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A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.
19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.
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Trust in a faithless man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.
20 Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, And like vinegar on soda, Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
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He who sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on a wound.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
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If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
22 For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the Lord will reward you.
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for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
23 The north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.
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The north wind brings forth rain; and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
24 It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
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It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
25 As cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a far country.
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Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
26 A righteous man who falters before the wicked Is like a murky spring and a polluted well.
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Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
27 It is not good to eat much honey; So to seek one's own glory is not glory.
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It is not good to eat much honey, so be sparing of complimentary words.
28 Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls.
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A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.