Dual Panel1These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:
2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
3As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
4Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for the silversmith;
5remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness.
6Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among great men;
7it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here," than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman. What you have seen with your eyes
8do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbour puts you to shame?
9If you argue your case with a neighbour, do not betray another man’s confidence,
10or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation.
11A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
12Like an ear-ring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.
13Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters.
14Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.
15Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit.
17Seldom set foot in your neighbour’s house—too much of you, and he will hate you.
18Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbour.
19Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.
20Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
22In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
23As a north wind brings rain, so a sly tongue brings angry looks.
24Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
25Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.
26Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked.
27It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honourable to seek one’s own honour.
28Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.