[1] These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of
Judah copied out. [2] It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, But the
glory of kings is to search out a matter. [3] As the heavens for height,
and the earth for depth, So the hearts of kings are unsearchable. [4]
Take away the dross from the silver, And material comes out for the
refiner; [5] Take away the wicked from the king`s presence, And his
throne will be established in righteousness. [6] Don`t exalt yourself in
the presence of the king, Or claim a place among great men; [7] For it
is better that it be said to you, "Come up here," Than that you should
be put lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen.
[8] Don`t be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the
end when your neighbor shames you? [9] Debate your case with your neighbor,
And don`t betray the confidence of another; [10] Lest one who hears it
put you to shame, And your bad reputation never depart. [11] A word
fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in settings of silver. [12] As an
ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, So is a wise reprover to
an obedient ear. [13] As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, So is
a faithful messenger to those who send him; For he refreshes the soul of
his masters. [14] As clouds and wind without rain, So is he who boasts
of gifts deceptively. [15] By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft
tongue breaks the bone. [16] Have you found honey? Eat as much as is
sufficient for you, Lest you eat too much, and vomit it. [17] Let your
foot be seldom in your neighbor`s house, Lest he be weary of you, and
hate you. [18] A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor Is
like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow. [19] Confidence in someone
unfaithful in time of trouble Is like a bad tooth, or a lame foot. [20]
As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, Or vinegar on soda,
So is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. [21] If your enemy is hungry,
give him food to eat; If he is thirsty, give him water to drink: [22]
For you will heap coals of fire on his head, And Yahweh will reward you.
[23] The north wind brings forth rain: So a backbiting tongue brings an
angry face. [24] It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop,
Than to share a house with a contentious woman. [25] Like cold waters to a
thirsty soul, So is good news from a far country. [26] Like a muddied
spring, and a polluted well, So is a righteous man who gives way before
the wicked. [27] It is not good to eat much honey; Nor is it honorable
to seek ones own honor. [28] Like a city that is broken down and without
walls Is a man whose spirit is without restraint.
