2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,
so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
4 Remove the dross from the silver,
and a vessel will come out for the silversmith;
5 remove the wicked from the presence of the king,
and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6 Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king,
and don’t stand in the place of the great;
7 for it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,”
than for him to belittle you before a nobleman.
8 Do not take a matter to court hastily,
for what will you do in the end
if your neighbour puts you to shame?
9 Argue your case with your neighbour himself,
and do not disclose another’s secret;
10 or he who hears it will put you to shame,
and your reputation will be ruined.
11 A word aptly spoken
is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold
is the wise rebuke to a receptive ear.
13 Like the coolness of snow at the time of harvest
is a trustworthy messenger to those who sent him;
for he refreshes the spirit of his masters.
14 Like clouds and wind without rain
is a man who boasts of gives he has not given.
15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16 If you find honey, eat only what you need;
otherwise you will become filled with it and vomit.
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbour’s house;
otherwise he will grow tired of you and dislike you.
18 A man who gives false testimony against his neighbour
is like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow.
19 Like a bad tooth or a lame foot
is reliance on an unfaithful person in a time of trouble.
20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,
or like pouring vinegar on soda,
is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
22 for you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the LORD will reward you.
23 The north wind produces rain,
and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
24 Better to live on a corner of the roof,
than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
25 Like cold water to a thirsty soul,
so is good news from a far country.
26 A righteous man who yields before the wicked
is like a muddied spring or a polluted well.
27 It is not good to eat too much honey,
nor is it honourable to seek one’s own glory.
28 Like a city whose walls are broken down,
so is a man who lacks self-control.