4
Take away the rust from silver, and there shall come forth a most pure vessel:
5
Take away wickedness from the face of the king, and his throne shall be established with justice.
6
Appear not glorious before the king, and stand not in the place of great men.
7
For it is better that it should be said to thee: Come up hither; than that thou shouldst be humbled before the prince.
8
The things which thy eyes have seen, utter not hastily in a quarrel: lest afterward thou mayst not be able to make amends, when thou hast dishonoured thy friend.
9
Treat thy cause with thy friend, and discover not the secret to a stranger:
10
Lest he insult over thee, when he hath heard it, and cease not to upbraid thee. Grace and friendship deliver a man: keep these for thyself, lest thou fall under reproach.
11
To speak a word in due time, is like apples of gold on beds of silver.
12
As an earring of gold and a bright pearl, so is he that reproveth the wise, and the obedient ear.
13
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to him that sent him, for he refresheth his soul.
14
As clouds, and wind, when no rain followeth, so is the man that boasteth, and doth not fulfil his promises.