2
[It is] the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings [is] to search out a matter.
3
The heaven for hight, 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 to thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldst be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thy eyes have seen.
8
Go not forth hastily to strive, lest [thou know not] what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbor hath put thee to shame.
9
Debate thy cause with thy neighbor [himself]; and reveal not a secret to another:
10
Lest he that heareth [it] put thee to shame, and thy infamy turn not away.
11
A word fitly spoken [is like] apples of gold in pictures of silver.
12
[As] an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, [so is] a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.