More proverbs of Solomon

1These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:

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

to search out a matter is the glory of kings.

3As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,

so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

4Remove the dross from the silver,

and a silversmith can produce a vessel;

5remove wicked officials from the king’s presence,

and his throne will be established through righteousness.

6Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence,

and do not claim a place among his great men;

7it is better for him to say to you, ‘Come up here,’

than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.

What you have seen with your eyes

8do not bring25:7,8 Or nobles / on whom you had set your eyes. / 8 Do not go hastily to court,

for what will you do in the end

if your neighbour puts you to shame?

9If you take your neighbour to court,

do not betray another’s confidence,

10or the one who hears it may shame you

and the charge against you will stand.

11Like apples25:11 Or possibly apricots of gold in settings of silver

is a ruling rightly given.

12Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold

is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.

13Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time

is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him;

he refreshes the spirit of his master.

14Like clouds and wind without rain

is one who boasts of gifts never given.

15Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,

and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

16If you find honey, eat just enough –

too much of it, and you will vomit.

17Seldom set foot in your neighbour’s house –

too much of you, and they will hate you.

18Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow

is one who gives false testimony against a neighbour.

19Like a broken tooth or a lame foot

is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.

20Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,

or like vinegar poured on a wound,

is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

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

if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

22In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,

and the Lord will reward you.

23Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain

is a sly tongue – which provokes a horrified look.

24Better to live on a corner of the roof

than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

25Like cold water to a weary soul

is good news from a distant land.

26Like a muddied spring or a polluted well

are the righteous who give way to the wicked.

27It is not good to eat too much honey,

nor is it honourable to search out matters that are too deep.

28Like a city whose walls are broken through

is a person who lacks self-control.