More Proverbs of Solomon

1These, too, are parables of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transferred.

2It is to the glory of God to conceal a word, and it is to the glory of kings to investigate speech.

3Heaven above, and earth below, and the heart of kings are each unsearchable.

4Take away the tarnish from silver, and a most pure vessel will go forth.

5Take away impiety from the face of the king, and his throne shall be made firm by justice.

6Do not appear glorious before the king, and do not stand in the place of the great.

7For it is better that it should be said to you, “Ascend to here,” than that you should be humbled before the prince.

8The things that your eyes have seen, do not offer hastily in a quarrel, lest afterward you may not be able to make amends, when you have dishonored your friend.

9Argue your case with your friend, and do not reveal the secret to an outsider,

10lest perhaps he may insult you, when he has heard it, and he might not cease to reproach you. Grace and friendship free a man; preserve these for yourself, lest you fall under reproach.

11Whoever speaks a word at an opportune time is like apples of gold on beds of silver.

12Whoever reproves the wise and obedient ear is like an earring of gold with a shining pearl.

13Just like the cold of snow in a time of harvest, so also is a faithful messenger to him who sent him: he causes his soul to rest.

14A man who boasts and does not fulfill his promises is like clouds and wind, when rain does not follow.

15By patience, a leader shall be appeased, and a soft tongue shall break hardness.

16You have discovered honey; eat what is sufficient for you, lest perhaps, being filled up, you may vomit it.

17Withdraw your feet from the house of your neighbor, lest, when he has had his fill, he may hate you.

18A man who speaks false testimony against his neighbor is like a dart and a sword and a sharp arrow.

19Whoever sets his hopes on the unfaithful in a day of anguish is like a rotten tooth and weary foot,

20and like one who loosens his garment in cold weather. Whoever sings verses to a wicked heart is like vinegar on baking soda. Just like a moth to a garment, and a worm to wood, so too does the sadness of a man do harm to the heart.

21If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

22For you will gather hot coals upon his head, and the Lord will repay you.

23The north wind brings forth the rain, and a sorrowful face brings forth a detracting tongue.

24It is better to sit in a corner of the attic, than with an argumentative woman and in a shared house.

25Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so too are good reports from a far away land.

26The just falling down before the impious is like a fountain stirred up by feet and like a corrupted spring.

27Just as whoever eats too much honey, it is not good for him, so also whoever is an investigator of what is majestic will be overwhelmed by glory.

28Just like a city lying in the open and without surrounding walls, so also is a man who is unable to restrain his own spirit in speaking.