Analogies of Wisdom

1These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transcribed.

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

But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

3As the heavens for height and the earth for depth,

So the heart of kings is unsearchable.

4Take away the dross from the silver,

And there comes out a vessel for the smith;

5Take away the wicked before the king,

And his throne will be established in righteousness.

6Do not promote your majesty in the presence of the king,

And in the place of great men do not stand;

7For it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,”

Than for you to be placed lower in the presence of a noble,

Whom your eyes have seen.

8Do not go out hastily to plead your case;

Lest, what will you do in [†]the end,

When your neighbor humiliates you?

9Plead your case with your neighbor,

And do not reveal the secret of another,

10Lest he who hears it bring disgrace upon you,

And the bad report about you will not turn away.

11Like apples of gold in settings of silver

Is a word spoken in [†]right circumstances.

12Like [†]an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold

Is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

13Like the cold of snow in the [†]time of harvest

Is a faithful envoy to those who send him,

For he refreshes the soul of his masters.

14Like clouds and wind without rain

Is a man who boasts [†]of his gifts falsely.

15When one is slow to anger, a ruler may be persuaded,

And a soft tongue breaks the bone.

16Have you found honey? Eat only enough for you,

Lest you have more than your fill and vomit it.

17Let your foot rarely be in your neighbor’s house,

Lest he have more than his fill of you and hate you.

18Like a club and a sword and a sharp arrow

Is a man who bears [†]false witness against his neighbor.

19Like [†]an aching tooth and a slipping foot

Is trust in a treacherous man in a day of distress.

20Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on [†]soda,

Is he who sings songs to [†]an aching heart.

21If [†]your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;

And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

22For you will [†]heap burning coals on his head,

And Yahweh will repay you.

23The north wind brings forth rain,

And a tongue of secrets, an indignant face.

24It is better to live in a corner of the roof

Than [†]in a house shared with a contentious woman.

25Like cold water to a weary soul,

So is a good report from a distant land.

26Like a muddied spring and a corrupted well

Is a righteous man shaking before the wicked.

27To eat too much honey is not good,

Nor is it glory to search out [†]one’s own glory.

28Like a city that is broken into and without a wall

Is a man without restraint over his spirit.