1
These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah transcribed.
2
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; but the glory of kings is to search out a thing.
3
The heavens for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4
Take away the dross from the silver, and there cometh forth a vessel for the refiner:
5
take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
6
Put not thyself forward in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of the great;
7
for better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither, than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes see.
8
Go not forth hastily to strive, lest [thou know not] what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
9
Debate thy cause with thy neighbour, but reveal not the secret of another;
10
lest he that heareth [it] disgrace thee, and thine evil report turn not away.
11
[As] apples of gold in pictures of silver, is a word spoken in season.