1These are also parables of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah King of Judah copied out.
2The glory of God is to conceal a thing secret: but the King’s honor is to search out a thing.
3The heavens in height, and the earth in deepness: and the king’s heart can no man search out.
4Take the dross from the silver, and there shall proceed a vessel for the finer.
5Take away the wicked from the King, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
6Boast not thyself before the King, and stand not in the place of great men.
7For it is better, that it be said unto thee, Come up hither, than thou to be put lower in the presence of the Prince whom thine eyes have seen.
8Go not forth hastily to strife, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbor hath put thee to shame.
9Debate thy matter with thy neighbor, and discover not the secret to another,
10Lest he that heareth it, put thee to shame, and thine infamy do not cease.
11A word spoken in his place, is like apples of gold with pictures of silver.
12He that reproveth the wise and the obedient ear, is as a golden earring, and an ornament of fine gold.
13As the cold of the snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
14A man that boasteth of false liberality, is like clouds and wind without rain.
15A Prince is pacified by staying of anger, and a soft tongue breaketh the bones.
16If thou have found honey, eat that is sufficient for thee, lest thou be overfull, and vomit it.
17Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbor’s house, lest he be weary of thee, and hate thee.
18A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor, is like an hammer and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
19Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble, is like a broken tooth and a sliding foot.
20He that taketh away the garment in the cold season, is like vinegar poured upon nitre, or like him that singeth songs to an heavy heart.
21If he that hateth thee be hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
22For thou shalt lay coals upon his head, and the Lord shall recompense thee.
23As the Northwind driveth away the rain, so doth an angry countenance the slandering tongue.
24It is better to dwell in a corner of the house top, than with a contentious woman in a wide house.
25As are the cold waters to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country.
26A righteous man falling down before the wicked, is like a troubled well and a corrupt spring.
27It is not good to eat much honey: so to search their own glory, is not glory.
28A man that refraineth not his appetite, is like a city which is broken down and without walls.