1These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah.

2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
but the glory of kings to search it out.

3Like the heavens are for height and the earth is for depth,
so the heart of kings is unsearchable.

4Remove the dross from the silver
and a metal worker can use the silver in his craft.

5Even so, remove wicked people from the presence of the king
and his throne will be established by doing what is right.

6Do not honor yourself in the king's presence
and do not stand in the place designated for great people.

7It is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,”
than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman.
What you have witnessed,

8do not bring quickly to trial.
For what will you do in the end
when your neighbor puts you to shame?

9Argue your case between you and your neighbor himself
and do not disclose another's secret,

10or else the one who hears you will bring shame upon you
and an evil report about you that cannot be silenced.

11Apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in the right situation.

12A gold ring or jewelry made of fine gold
is a wise rebuke to a listening ear.

13Like the cold of snow at harvest time
is a faithful messenger for those who sent him;
he brings back the life of his masters.

14Clouds and wind without rain
is the one who boasts about a gift he does not give.

15With patience a ruler can be persuaded
and a soft tongue can break a bone.

16If you find honey, eat just enough—
otherwise, having too much of it, you vomit it up.

17Do not set your foot in your neighbor's house too often,
he may become tired of you and hate you.

18A man who bears false witness against his neighbor
is like a club used in war, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.

19An unfaithful man in whom you trust in a time of trouble
is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.

20Like a person who takes off a garment in cold weather,
or like vinegar poured upon carbonate of soda,
is the one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

21If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat,
and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,

22for you will shovel coals of fire on his head
and Yahweh will reward you.

23As surely as the north wind brings rain,
so a tongue that tells secrets will result in angry faces.

24It is better to live on a corner of the roof
than in a house shared with a quarreling wife.

25Like cold waters to one who is thirsty,
so is good news from a far country.

26Like a fouled spring or a ruined fountain
is a righteous person tottering before wicked people.

27It is not good to eat too much honey;
that is like searching for honor after honor. ³

28A person without self-control
is like a city breached and without walls.