More Proverbs from Solomon

1Here are some more proverbs by Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transcribed.

2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,

and the glory of kings to investigate a matter.

3Just as the heavens are high

and earth is deep,

so the heart of a king is unfathomable.

4Purge the dross from the silver,

and material fora a vessel comes forth for the silversmith.

5Purge the wicked from the king’s presence,

and his throne will be established in righteousness.

6Don’t magnify yourself in the presence of a king,

and don’t pretend to be in the company of famous men,

7for it is better that it be told you, “Come up here,”

than for you to be placed lower

in the presence of an official.

What you’ve seen with your own eyes,

8don’t be in a hurry to argue in court.

Otherwise, what will you do later on

when your neighbor humiliates you?

9Instead, take up the matter with your neighbor,

and don’t betray another person’s confidence.

10Otherwise, anyone who hears will make you ashamed,

and your bad reputation will never leave you.

11Like golden apples set in silver

is a word spoken at the right time.

12Like a gold earring and a necklace of pure gold

is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

13Like cold snow during harvest time

is a faithful messenger to those who send him;

he refreshes his masters.

14Like clouds and winds without rain

is the man who brags

about gifts he never gave.

15Through patience a ruler may be persuaded;

a gentle wordb can break a bone.

16If you find some honey,

eat only what you need.

Take too much,

and you’ll vomit.

17Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s home;

otherwise, he’ll grow weary and hate you.

18A club, a sword, and a sharp arrow—

that’s what a man is who lies about his neighbor.

19A bad tooth and an unsteady foot—

that’s what confidence in an unreliable man is like

in a time of trouble.

20Taking your coat off when it’s cold

or pouring vinegar on soda—

that’s what singing songs does to a heavy heart.

21If your enemy hungers, give him food to eat;

and if he thirsts, give him water to drink.

22For you’ll be piling burning coals of shamec on his head

and the LORD will reward you.

23The north wind brings rain,

and a backbiting tongue an angry look.

24It’s better to live in a corner on the roof

than in a house with a contentious woman.

25Cold water to someone who is thirstyd —

that’s what good news from a distant land is.

26A muddied spring or a polluted well—

that’s what a righteous person is

who compromises with the wicked.

27To eat too much honey isn’t good;

and neither is it honorable to seek one’s own glory.

28Like a city with breached walls

is a man without self-control.