More Proverbs of Solomon

• 2 The glory of God[fn] conceals things, but the glory of kings searches out things.
• 3 As heaven is to height and the earth is to depth, so is the heart[fn] of kings—there is no searching.
• 4 Remove the dross from silver, and it will become a vessel for the smith.
• 5 Remove the wicked before a king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.[fn]
• 6 Do not promote yourself before the king, and in the place of the great ones do not stand.
• 7 For it is better that he say to you, “Ascend here,” than he humble you before a noble.
• What your eyes have seen,
  • 8 do not hastily bring out to court, for[fn] what will you do at its end,
  • when your neighbor puts you to shame?
  • 9 Argue your argument with your neighbor himself, the secret of another do not disclose,
  • 10 lest he who hears shame you and your ill repute will not end.
  • 11 Apples of gold in a setting of silver is a matter spoken at[fn] its proper time.
  • 12 A ring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a rebuke of the wise to the ear of a listener.
  • 13 Like the cold of snow on a day[fn] of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
  • and the soul[fn] of his master is refreshed.[fn]
  • 14 Like clouds and wind when there is no rain, so too is a man who boasts in a gift of deception.
  • 15 With patience[fn] a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.[fn]
  • 16 If you find honey, eat what is sufficient for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it out.
  • 17 Make your foot scarce in the house of your neighbor, lest he become weary of you and hate you.
  • 18 Like a club and sword and a sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.
  • 19 A bad tooth and a lame foot is the trust of a faithless person in a time[fn] of trouble.
  • 20 Like one who removes a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on natron,[fn] is he who sings songs to a heavy heart.
  • 21 If your enemy is hungry, feed him bread, and if thirsty, let him drink water.
  • 22 For coals of fire you will heap upon his head, and Yahweh will reward you.
  • 23 The wind of the north produces rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry faces.
  • 24 Better to live upon the corner of a roof than with a woman[fn] of contention and in a shared house.
  • 25 Like cold water[fn] upon a weary soul,[fn] so too is good news from a distant place.
  • 26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is the righteous who gives way before the wicked.
  • 27 To eat much honey is not good, nor is seeking one’s honor[fn] honorable.
  • 28 A breached city where there is no wall is like a man who has no[fn] self-control for his spirit.