Solomon's proverbs
1These are also Proverbs of Solomon, recorded in the time of He zekiah, king of Judah.
2The glory of God is in hiding secrets and the glory of the king, in revealing them. 3As high as the skies, as deep as the earth, such is the heart of kings.
4Remove the impurity from silver and it will become a vessel in the hands of the silversmith. 5Remove the wicked from the king’s presence and he will affirm his power through justice.
6Do not boast before the king or put your self among the great. 7It would be better to be invited, “Come up here,” than to be humiliated after having seen the prince.
8Do not be too hasty in accusing your neighbor for what would happen to you should he confound you?
9Defend your case against your neighbor but do not reveal the secret of another, 10lest he overhear it and despise you and your reputation be lost.
11An opportune word is like golden apples encased in silver. 12A gold ring or an ornament of fine gold, such is the wise man’s rebuke to a responsive person.
13The trustworthy messenger is like the coolness of snow at harvest time, to him who sends him: he revives the soul of his master.
14Clouds and wind but no rain, such is the one who promises but does not fulfill.
15With a little patience you will persuade the judge; a soft tongue can break bones.
16If you find honey, eat enough but not too much, lest you bring it up again.
17Go rarely to your neighbor’s house lest he tire of you and grow to hate you.
18A mace, a sword, a keen arrow: such is the one who lies about his neighbor.
19A decaying tooth, a lame foot, such is the trust put in the ungodly on the day of trouble.
20Singing songs to a grieving person is like taking off your cloak in frosty weather or pouring vinegar into a wound.
21If your enemy is hungry give him something to eat, if thirsty, something to drink; 22thus you pile up red-hot coals on his head and Yahweh will reward you.
23As the north wind brings the rain, so the gossiping tongue leaves angry faces.
24Better the corner of a barn to live in than a house shared with a whimsical woman.
25Good news from a distant country is like cool water to a dry throat.
26A churning river or a polluted spring is like the virtuous man who trembles before the evildoer.
27It is not good to eat too much honey and even less good to be greedy for honors.
28The man who cannot contain his anger is like an open city, without defenses.
