1
These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiahking of Judah copied out.
2
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
3
The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4
Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.
5
Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
6
Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
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 have seen.
8
Go not forthhastily 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 himself; and discover not a secret[a] to another:
10
Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
11
A wordfitly[b]*spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
12
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wisereprover upon an obedientear.
13
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithfulmessenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
14
Whosoboasteth himself of a falsegift is like clouds and wind without rain.
15
By longforbearing is a princepersuaded, and a softtonguebreaketh the bone.
16
Hast thou foundhoney?eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
17
Withdraw[c] thy foot from thy neighbour'shouse; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.
18
A man that bearethfalsewitness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharparrow.
19
Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a brokentooth, and a foot out of joint.
20
As he that taketh away a garment in coldweather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singethsongs to an heavyheart.