| 1 | These are other proverbs of Solomon that the officials of King Hezekiah of Judah copied. | |
| 2 | It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out. | |
| 3 | Like the heavens for height, like the earth for depth, so the mind of kings is unsearchable. | |
| 4 | Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel; | |
| 5 | take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness. | |
| 6 | Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence or stand in the place of the great; | |
| 7 | for it is better to be told, “Come up here,” than to be put lower in the presence of a noble. What your eyes have seen | |
| 8 | do not hastily bring into court; for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame? | |
| 9 | Argue your case with your neighbor directly, and do not disclose another’s secret; | |
| 10 | or else someone who hears you will bring shame upon you, and your ill repute will have no end. | |
| 11 | A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. | |
| 12 | Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise rebuke to a listening ear. | |
| 13 | Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest are faithful messengers to those who send them; they refresh the spirit of their masters. | |
| 14 | Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of a gift never given. | |
| 15 | With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue can break bones. | |
| 16 | If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, or else, having too much, you will vomit it. | |
| 17 | Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house, otherwise the neighbor will become weary of you and hate you. | |
| 18 | Like a war club, a sword, or a sharp arrow is one who bears false witness against a neighbor. | |
| 19 | Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is trust in a faithless person in time of trouble. | |
| 20 | Like vinegar on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. Like a moth in clothing or a worm in wood, sorrow gnaws at the human heart. | |
| 21 | If your enemies are hungry, give them bread to eat; and if they are thirsty, give them water to drink; | |
| 22 | for you will heap coals of fire on their heads, and the LORD will reward you. | |
| 23 | The north wind produces rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks. | |
| 24 | It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a contentious wife. | |
| 25 | Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. | |
| 26 | Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain are the righteous who give way before the wicked. | |
| 27 | It is not good to eat much honey, or to seek honor on top of honor. | |
| 28 | Like a city breached, without walls, is one who lacks self-control. |