1. THESE ARE also the proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied: [I Kings 4:32.]
2. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a thing. [Deut. 29:29; Rom. 11:33.]
3. As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, so the hearts and minds of kings are unsearchable.
4. Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth [the material for] a vessel for the silversmith [to work up]. [II Tim. 2:21.]
5. Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation).
6. Be not forward (self-assertive and boastfully ambitious) in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men;
7. For better it is that it should be said to you, Come up here, than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whose eyes have seen you. [Luke 14:8-10.]
8. Rush not forth soon to quarrel [before magistrates or elsewhere], lest you know not what to do in the end when your neighbor has put you to shame. [Prov. 17:14; Matt. 5:25.]
9. Argue your cause with your neighbor himself; discover not and disclose not another's secret, [Matt. 18:15.]
10. Lest he who hears you revile you and bring shame upon you and your ill repute have no end.
11. A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver. [Prov. 15:23; Isa. 50:4.]