English Standard Version

International Standard Version

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

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

2It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.

2It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, and the glory of kings to investigate a matter.

3As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.

3Just as the heavens are high and earth is deep, so the heart of a king is unfathomable.

4Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel;

4Purge the dross from the silver, and material for a vessel comes forth for the silversmith.

5take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

5Purge the wicked from the king's presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

6Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence or stand in the place of the great,

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 to be told, “Come up here,” than to be put lower in the presence of a noble. What your eyes have seen

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,

8do not hastily bring into court, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame?

8don't be in a hurry to argue in court. Otherwise, what will you do later on when your neighbor humiliates you?

9Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal another’s secret,

9Instead, take up the matter with your neighbor, and don't betray another person's confidence.

10lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your ill repute have no end.

10Otherwise, anyone who hears will make you ashamed, and your bad reputation will never leave you.

11A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

11Like golden apples set in silver is a word spoken at the right time.

12Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

12Like a gold earring and a necklace of pure gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

13Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.

13Like cold snow during harvest time is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes his masters.

14Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.

14Like clouds and winds without rain is the man who brags about gifts he never gave.

15With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.

15Through patience a ruler may be persuaded; a gentle word can break a bone.

16If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.

16If you find some honey, eat only what you need. Take too much, and you'll vomit.

17Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house, lest he have his fill of you and hate you.

17Seldom set foot in your neighbor's home; otherwise, he'll grow weary and hate you.

18A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.

18A club, a sword, and a sharp arrow— that's what a man is who lies about his neighbor.

19Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.

19A bad tooth and an unsteady foot— that's what confidence in an unreliable man is like in a time of trouble.

20Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on soda.

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 is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,

21If your enemy hungers, give him food to eat; and if he thirsts, give him water to drink.

22for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

22For you'll be piling burning coals of shame on his head and the LORD will reward you.

23The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

23The north wind brings rain, and a backbiting tongue an angry look.

24It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.

24It's better to live in a corner on the roof than in a house with a contentious woman.

25Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

25Cold water to someone who is thirsty — that's what good news from a distant land is.

26Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

26A muddied spring or a polluted well— that's what a righteous person is who compromises with the wicked.

27It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.

27To eat too much honey isn't good; and neither is it honorable to seek one's own glory.

28A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

28Like a city with breached walls is a man without self-control.

ESV Text Edition: 2016. The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved.

The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY.