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1 These also are the proverbs of Solomon that the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transcribed:
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
but it is the glory of kings to search out a matter.
3 As to the height of the heavens and to the depth of the earth,
so the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4 Remove the dross from silver,
and a vessel comes out for the refiner;
5 remove the wicked person from the presence of the king,
and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6 Do not honor yourself in the presence of the king,
and do not stand among great people;
7 for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,”
than to be placed lower in the presence of a noble.
8 do not go out to argue your dispute too hastily;
otherwise, what will you do in the end
when your neighbor humiliates you?
9 Argue your dispute with your neighbor,
but do not reveal another person’s secret,
10 lest the one who hears it puts you to shame,
and your bad reputation will not go away.
11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver
is a word spoken at the proper moment.
12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold
is a wise person reproving a listening ear.
13 Like the cold of snow at the time of harvest
is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
for he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14 Like clouds and wind, but no rain
is a person who boasts of a gift never given.
15 With patience, a ruler can be persuaded,
and a gentle tongue can break someone’s strength.
16 Did you find some honey? Eat just enough for you,
lest you have too much of it, and then vomit it up.
17 Let your foot visit your neighbor’s house sparingly,
lest he have too much of you, and hate you.
18 Like a club, and sword, and sharp arrow
is a person bearing false witness against his neighbor.
19 Like a bad tooth and a foot that slips
is confidence in a person who acts unfaithfully in a time of distress.
20 Like one who removes clothing on a cold day,
or vinegar upon a wound,
is one who sings a song to a heavy heart.
21 If the one who hates you is hungry, give him food to eat,
and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,
22 for you will heap burning coals upon his head,
and Yahweh will reward you.
23 The north wind brings rain,
and a tongue telling secrets brings an angry face.
24 It is better to sit on the corner of a rooftop
than in a house with a contentious wife.
25 As cold water is to a weary soul,
so is a good report from a distant land.
26 Like a spring that has been trampled in and like a ruined fountain
is a righteous person who wavers in the presence of a wicked person.
27 It is not good to eat much honey,
nor for people to seek glory after glory.
28 Like a city broken into, one without a wall,
is a person who has no self-control over his spirit.
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