Further Wise Sayings of Solomon

1These are other proverbs of Solomon that the officials of King Hezekiah of Judah copied.

2It is the glory of God to conceal things,

but the glory of kings is to search things out.

3Like the heavens for height, like the earth for depth,

so the mind of kings is unsearchable.

4Take away the dross from the silver,

and the smith has material for a vessel;

5take away the wicked from the presence of the king,

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;

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

8do not hastily bring into court;

for25.8 Cn: Heb or else what will you do in the end,

when your neighbour puts you to shame?

9Argue your case with your neighbour directly,

and do not disclose another's secret;

10or else someone who hears you will bring shame upon you,

and your ill repute will have no end.

11A word fitly spoken

is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

12Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold

is a wise rebuke to a listening ear.

13Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest

are faithful messengers to those who send them;

they refresh the spirit of their masters.

14Like clouds and wind without rain

is one who boasts of a gift never given.

15With patience a ruler may be persuaded,

and a soft tongue can break bones.

16If you have found honey, eat only enough for you,

or else, having too much, you will vomit it.

17Let your foot be seldom in your neighbour's house,

otherwise the neighbour will become weary of you and hate you.

18Like a war club, a sword, or a sharp arrow

is one who bears false witness against a neighbour.

19Like a bad tooth or a lame foot

is trust in a faithless person in time of trouble.

20Like vinegar on a wound25.20 Gk: Heb Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, like vinegar on lye

is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

Like a moth in clothing or a worm in wood,

sorrow gnaws at the human heart.25.20 Gk Syr Tg: Heb lacks Like a moth…human heart

21If your enemies are hungry, give them bread to eat;

and if they are thirsty, give them water to drink;

22for you will heap coals of fire on their heads,

and the LORD will reward you.

23The north wind produces rain,

and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

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

than in a house shared with a contentious wife.

25Like cold water to a thirsty soul,

so is good news from a far country.

26Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain

are the righteous who give way before the wicked.

27It is not good to eat much honey,

or to seek honour on top of honour.

28Like a city breached, without walls,

is one who lacks self-control.