1. These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:
2. It is the glory of God to conceal a matter and the glory of kings to search it out.
3. As high as heaven and deep as earth, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
4. Remove impurities from silver and out comes material for the refiner.
5. Remove the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6. Do not honor yourself in the king’s presence, and do not stand in the place of great men.
7. Better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for you to be humiliated before a nobleman. What your eyes have seen,
8. do not bring hastily to court, or what will you do afterward, when your neighbor puts you to shame?
9. Argue your case with your associate, without betraying another’s confidence,
10. or the one who hears it will shame you, and you will never lose your bad reputation.
11. Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word aptly spoken.
12. Like a gold earring or a gold ornament is a wise reproof to a receptive ear.
13. Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a faithful messenger to those who send him for he refreshes his master’s soul.
14. Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts about a gift not given.