1. These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
2. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
3. The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4. Take away the dross from the silver, and there cometh forth a vessel for the finer:
5. Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
6. Put not thyself forward in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:
7. For better is it that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom thine eyes have seen.
8. Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
9. Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself, and disclose not the secret of another:
10. Lest he that heareth it revile thee, and thine infamy turn not away.
11. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in baskets of silver.
12. As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
13. As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him; for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
14. As clouds and wind without rain, so is he that boasteth himself of his gifts falsely.