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1MORE proverbs of Solomon, transcribed by the men of King Hezekiah of Judah:
2The glory of God is to keep things hidden, but the glory of kings is to fathom them.
3The heavens for height, the earth for depth: unfathomable likewise is the mind of a king.
4Rid silver of its impurities, then it may go to the silversmith;
5rid the king's presence of the wicked, and his throne will rest firmly on righteousness.
6Do not push yourself forward at court or take your stand where the great assemble;
7for it is better to be told, “Come up here,” than to be moved down to make room for a nobleman. What you have witnessed
8be in no hurry to tell everyone, or it will end in reproaches from your friend.
9Argue your own case with your neighbour, but do not reveal another's secrets,
10or he will reproach you when he hears of it and your indiscretion will then be beyond recall.
11Like apples of gold set in silver filigree is a word spoken in season.
12Like a golden ear-ring or a necklace of Nubian gold is a wise person's reproof in an attentive ear.
13Like the coolness of snow in harvest time is a trusty messenger to those who send him; he brings new life to his masters.
14Like clouds and wind that bring no rain is he who boasts of gifts he never gives.
15A prince may be won over by patience, and a soft tongue may break down authority.
16If you find honey, eat what you need and no more; a surfeit will make you sick.
17Be sparing in visits to your neighbour's house; if he sees too much of you, he will come to dislike you.
18Like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow is a false witness who denounces his friend.
19Like a decaying tooth or a sprained ankle is a perfidious person relied on in the day of trouble.
20Like one who dresses a wound with vinegar, so is the sweetest of singers to the heavy-hearted.
21If your enemy is hungry, give him food; if he is thirsty, give him a drink of water;
22for so you will heap live coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
23As the north wind holds back the rain, so an angry glance holds back slander.
24Better to live on a corner of the housetop than share the house with a nagging wife.
25Like cold water to the throat that is faint with thirst is good news from a distant land.
26Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to a wicked one.
27A surfeit of honey is bad for one, and the quest for glory is onerous.
28Like a city breached and defenceless is a man who cannot control his temper.