New Revised Standard NRS
The Message Bible MSG
1 These are other proverbs of Solomon that the officials of King Hezekiah of Judah copied.
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There are also these proverbs of Solomon, collected by scribes of Hezekiah, king of Judah.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.
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God delights in concealing things; scientists delight in discovering things.
3 Like the heavens for height, like the earth for depth, so the mind of kings is unsearchable.
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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 the smith has material for a vessel;
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Remove impurities from the silver and the silversmith can craft a fine chalice;
5 take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
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Remove the wicked from leadership and authority will be credible and God-honoring.
6 Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence or stand in the place of the great;
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Don't work yourself into the spotlight; don't push your way into the place of prominence.
7 for it is better to be told, "Come up here," than to be put lower in the presence of a noble. What your eyes have seen
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It's better to be promoted to a place of honor than face humiliation by being demoted.
8 do not hastily bring into court; for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame?
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Don't jump to conclusions - there may be a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw.
9 Argue your case with your neighbor directly, and do not disclose another's secret;
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In the heat of an argument, don't betray confidences;
10 or else someone who hears you will bring shame upon you, and your ill repute will have no end.
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Word is sure to get around, and no one will trust you.
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
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The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry,
12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise rebuke to a listening ear.
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And a wise friend's timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.
13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest are faithful messengers to those who send them; they refresh the spirit of their masters.
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Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat - refreshing!
14 Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of a gift never given.
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Like billowing clouds that bring no rain is the person who talks big but never produces.
15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue can break bones.
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Patient persistence pierces through indifference; gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses. A Person Without Self-Control
16 If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, or else, having too much, you will vomit it.
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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, otherwise the neighbor will become weary of you and hate you.
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And when you find a friend, don't outwear your welcome; show up at all hours and he'll soon get fed up.
18 Like a war club, a sword, or a sharp arrow is one who bears false witness against a neighbor.
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Anyone who tells lies against the neighbors in court or on the street is a loose cannon.
19 Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is trust in a faithless person in time of trouble.
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Trusting a double-crosser when you're in trouble is like biting down on an abscessed tooth.
20 Like vinegar on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. Like a moth in clothing or a worm in wood, sorrow gnaws at the human heart.
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Singing light songs to the heavyhearted is like pouring salt in their wounds.
21 If your enemies are hungry, give them bread to eat; and if they are thirsty, give them water to drink;
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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 their heads, and the Lord will reward you.
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Your generosity will surprise him with goodness, and God will look after you.
23 The north wind produces rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
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A north wind brings stormy weather, and a gossipy tongue stormy looks.
24 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a contentious wife.
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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.
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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 or a polluted fountain are the righteous who give way before the wicked.
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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, or to seek honor on top of honor.
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It's not smart to stuff yourself with sweets, nor is glory piled on glory good for you.
28 Like a city breached, without walls, is one who lacks self-control.
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A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, 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.
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.