1. These are also proverbs of Solomon which officials of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:
2. The glory of God conceals things, but the glory of kings searches out things.
3. As heaven is to height and the earth is to depth, so is the heart of kings—there is no searching.
4. Remove the dross from silver, and it will become a vessel for the smith.
5. Remove the wicked before a king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6. Do not promote yourself before the king, and in the place of the great ones do not stand.
7. For it is better that he say to you, “Ascend here,” than he humble you before a noble. What your eyes have seen,
8. do not hastily bring out to court, for what will you do at its end, when your neighbor puts you to shame?
9. Argue your argument with your neighbor himself, the secret of another do not disclose,
10. lest he who hears shame you and your ill repute will not end.
11. Apples of gold in a setting of silver is a matter spoken at its proper time.
12. A ring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a rebuke of the wise to the ear of a listener.
13. Like the cold of snow on a day of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him, and the soul of his master is refreshed.