Verse 1. These are also parables of Solomon, which the men of Ezechias king of Juda copied out.
Verse 2. It is the glory of God to conceal the word, and the glory of kings to search out the speech.
Verse 3. The heaven above, and the earth beneath, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
Verse 4. Take away the rust from silver, and there shall come forth a most pure vessel:
Verse 5. Take away wickedness from the face of the king, and his throne shall be established with justice.
Verse 6. Appear not glorious before the king, and stand not in the place of great men.
Verse 7. For it is better that it should be said to thee: Come up hither; than that thou shouldst be humbled before the prince.
Verse 8. The things which thy eyes have seen, utter not hastily in a quarrel: lest afterward thou mayst not be able to make amends, when thou hast dishonoured thy friend.
Verse 9. Treat thy cause with thy friend, and discover not the secret to a stranger:
Verse 10. Lest he insult over thee, when he hath heard it, and cease not to upbraid thee. Grace and friendship deliver a man: keep these for thyself, lest thou fall under reproach.
Verse 11. To speak a word in due time, is like apples of gold on beds of silver.
Verse 12. As an earring of gold and a bright pearl, so is he that reproveth the wise, and the obedient ear.
Verse 13. As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to him that sent him, for he refresheth his soul.
Verse 14. As clouds, and wind, when no rain followeth, so is the man that boasteth, and doth not fulfill his promises.
Verse 15. By patience a prince shall be appeased, and a soft tongue shall break hardness.
Verse 16. Thou hast found honey, eat what is sufficient for thee, lest being glutted therewith thou vomit it up.
Verse 17. Withdraw thy foot from the house of thy neighbour, lest having his fill he hate thee.
Verse 18. A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour, is like a dart and a sword and a sharp arrow.
Verse 19. To trust to an unfaithful man in the time of trouble, is like a rotten tooth, and weary foot,
Verse 20. And one that looseth his garment in cold weather. As vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to a very evil heart. As a moth doth by a garment, and a worm by the wood: so the sadness of a man consumeth the heart.
Verse 21. If thy enemy be hungry, give him to eat: if he thirst, give him water to drink:
Verse 22. For thou shalt heap hot coals upon his head, and the Lord will reward thee.
Verse 23. The north wind driveth away rain, as doth a sad countenance a backbiting tongue.
Verse 24. It is better to sit in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman, and in a common house.
Verse 25. As cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good tidings from a far country.
Verse 26. A just man falling down before the wicked, is as a fountain troubled with the foot, and a corrupted spring.
Verse 27. As it is not good for a man to eat much honey, so he that is a searcher of majesty, shall be overwhelmed by glory.
Verse 28. As a city that lieth open and is not compassed with walls, so is a man that cannot refrain his own spirit in speaking.