Proverbs 25:1-26 in English

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 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable.

⁴ Take away the dross from the silver, And there cometh forth a vessel for the refiner:

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 neighbor hath put thee to shame.

⁹ Debate thy cause with thy neighbor 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 network of silver.

¹² As an ear-ring 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.

¹⁵ By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

¹⁶ Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, Lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

¹⁷ Let thy foot be seldom in thy neighbor’s house, Lest he be weary of thee, and hate thee.

¹⁸ A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor Is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

¹⁹ Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

²⁰ As one that taketh off a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon soda, So is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.

²¹ If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

²² For thou wilt heap coals of fire upon his head, And Jehovah will reward thee.

²³ The north wind bringeth forth rain; So doth a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.

²⁴ It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, Than with a contentious woman in a wide house.

²⁵ As cold waters to a thirsty soul, So is good news from a far country.

²⁶ As a troubled fountain, and a corrupted spring, So is a righteous man that giveth way before the wicked.

¹ These are the miscellaneous instructions of Solomon, which the friends of Ezekias king of Judea copied out.

² The glory of God conceals a matter: but the glory of a king honours business.

³ Heaven is high, and earth is deep, and a king's heart is unsearchable.

⁴ Beat the drossy silver, and it shall be made entirely pure.

⁵ Slay the ungodly from before the king, and his throne shall prosper in righteousness.

⁶ Be not boastful in the presence of the king, and remain not in the places of princes;

⁷ for it is better for thee that it should be said, Come up to me, than that one should humble thee in the presence of the prince; speak of that which thine eyes have seen.

⁸ Get not suddenly into a quarrel, lest thou repent at last.

⁹ Whenever thy friend shall reproach thee, retreat backward, despise him not;

¹⁰ lest thy friend continue to reproach thee, so thy quarrel and enmity shall not depart, but shall be to thee like death.

^10a Favour and friendship set a man free, which do thou keep for thyself, lest thou be made liable to reproach; but take heed to thy ways peaceably.

¹¹ As a golden apple in a necklace of sardius, so is it to speak a wise word.

¹² In an ear-ring of gold a precious sardius is also set; so is a wise word to an obedient ear.

¹³ As a fall of snow in the time of harvest is good against heat, so a faithful messenger refreshes those that send him; for he helps the souls of his employers.

¹⁴ As winds and clouds and rains are most evident objects, so is he that boasts of a false gift.

¹⁵ In long-suffering is prosperity to kings, and a soft tongue breaks the bones.

¹⁶ Having found honey, eat only what is enough, lest haply thou be filled, and vomit it up.

¹⁷ Enter sparingly into thy friend's house, lest he be satiated with thy company, and hate thee.

¹⁸ As a club, and a dagger, and a pointed arrow, so also is a man who bears false witness against his friend.

¹⁹ The way of the wicked and the foot of the transgressor shall perish in an evil day.

²⁰ As vinegar is bad for a sore, so trouble befalling the body afflicts the heart.

^20a As a moth in a garment, and a worm in wood, so the grief of a man hurts the heart.

²¹ If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink;

²² for so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee with good.

²³ The north wind raises clouds; so an impudent face provokes the tongue.

²⁴ It is better to dwell on a corner of the roof, than with a railing woman in an open house.

²⁵ As cold water is agreeable to a thirsting soul, so is a good message from a land far off.

²⁶ As if one should stop a well, and corrupt a spring of water, so is it unseemly for a righteous man to fall before an ungodly man.

¹ These are also 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 honour 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 shall come 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 forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:

⁷ For better it is 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 discover not a secret to another:

¹⁰ Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

¹¹ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures 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 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.

¹⁵ By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

¹⁶ Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

¹⁷ Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

¹⁸ A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

¹⁹ Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

²⁰ As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

²¹ If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

²² For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

²³ The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

²⁴ It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

²⁵ As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

²⁶ A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

¹ These are also 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 honour 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 shall come 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 forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:

⁷ For better it is 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 discover not a secret to another:

¹⁰ Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

¹¹ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures 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 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.

¹⁵ By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

¹⁶ Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

¹⁷ Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

¹⁸ A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

¹⁹ Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

²⁰ As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

²¹ If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

²² For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

²³ The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

²⁴ It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

²⁵ As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

²⁶ A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

¹ These are the miscellaneous instructions of Solomon, which the friends of Ezekias king of Judea copied out.

² The glory of God conceals a matter: but the glory of a king honors business.

³ Heaven is high, and earth is deep, and a king's heart is unsearchable.

⁴ Beat the drossy silver, and it shall be made entirely pure.

⁵ Slay the ungodly from before the king, and his throne shall prosper in righteousness.

⁶ Be not boastful in the presence of the king, and remain not in the places of princes;

⁷ for it is better for you that it should be said, Come up to me, than that one should humble you in the presence of the prince; speak of that which your eyes have seen.

⁸ Get not suddenly into a quarrel, lest you repent at last.

⁹ Whenever your friend shall reproach you, retreat backward, despise him not;

¹⁰ lest your friend continue to reproach you, so your quarrel and enmity shall not depart, but shall be to you like death. Favour and friendship set a man free, which do you keep for yourself, lest you be made liable to reproach; but take heed to your ways peaceably.

¹¹ As a golden apple in a necklace of sardius, so is it to speak a wise word.

¹² In an ear-ring of gold a precious sardius is also set; so is a wise word to an obedient ear.

¹³ As a fall of snow in the time of harvest is good against heat, so a faithful messenger refreshes those that send him; for he helps the souls of his employers.

¹⁴ As winds and clouds and rains are most evident objects, so is he that boasts of a false gift.

¹⁵ In longsuffering is prosperity to kings, and a soft tongue breaks the bones.

¹⁶ Having found honey, eat only what is enough, lest haply you be filled, and vomit it up.

¹⁷ Enter sparingly into your friend's house, lest he be satiated with your company, and hate you.

¹⁸ As a club, and a dagger, and a pointed arrow, so also is a man who bears false witness against his friend.

¹⁹ The way of the wicked and the foot of the transgressor shall perish in an evil day.

²⁰ As vinegar is bad for a sore, so trouble befalling the body afflicts the heart. As a moth in a garment, and a worm in wood, so the grief of a man hurts the heart.

²¹ If your enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink;

²² for so doing you shall heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward you with good.

²³ The north wind raises clouds; so an impudent face provokes the tongue.

²⁴ It is better to dwell on a corner of the roof, than with a railing woman in an open house.

²⁵ As cold water is agreeable to a thirsting soul, so is a good message from a land far off.

²⁶ As if one should stop a well, and corrupt a spring of water, so is it unseemly for a righteous man to fall before an ungodly man.

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.

¹⁵ By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

¹⁶ Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee; lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

¹⁷ Let thy foot be seldom in thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and hate thee.

¹⁸ A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

¹⁹ Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

²⁰ As one that taketh off a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

²¹ If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

²² For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

²³ The north wind bringeth forth rain: so doth a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.

²⁴ It is better to dwell in the comer of the housetop, than with a contentious woman in a wide house.

²⁵ As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

²⁶ As a troubled fountain, and a corrupted spring, so is a righteous man that giveth way before the wicked.

¹ Here are more wise sayings/words that Solomon wrote. Some men who worked for Hezekiah, the king of Judah, copied them from a scroll that Solomon had written.

² We consider God to be great because he ◄acts in mysterious ways/does things that we cannot understand►; we consider kings to be great because they explain things.

³ It is not possible for anyone to measure how high the sky is or how deep the earth/ocean is; likewise SIM, it is not possible for us to know all that kings are thinking.

⁴ If workers burn out the impure bits that are in silver, a man who makes things from silver can make something beautiful from the silver.

⁵ Similarly, if wicked advisors are taken away from a king, his government will remain secure, because the king will be able to act justly.

⁶ When you stand in front of a king, do not try to ◄impress him/honor yourself► and do not ◄act like you are important/ask to sit where important people sit;►

⁷ it is better if someone tells you to sit closer to the king than for someone to tell you, while the king is listening, to sit further away in order that someone who is more important may sit closer to the king.

⁸ Do not quickly go to a court to tell the judge about something that you have seen, because another witness may later say something that proves that you are wrong, and as a result you will be disgraced/ashamed. If that happens, ◄what will you do?/you will not know what to do.► RHQ

⁹ If you and someone else think differently about some matter, settle it between yourselves, and do not tell others any secret that he has told you.

¹⁰ If others find out that you have told secrets, you will be ashamed, and from that time on, ◄you will have a bad reputation/people will think badly about you►.

¹¹ Something that is said that is very appropriate is as delightful as seeing SIM gold apples/ornaments in a silver bowl.

¹² When a wise person rebukes/warns someone SYN who is willing to listen, that is as valuable as SIM a gold ring or a gold chain.

¹³ A messenger who ◄is reliable/tells someone else exactly what he was told to say► refreshes the spirits of his bosses who sent him like SIM ◄snow/cold water► refreshes the ground at the time that people harvest crops.

¹⁴ When someone promises to give a gift to us but never gives it, that disappoints us as much as SIM clouds and wind that come but do not bring any rain.

¹⁵ If someone keeps requesting a ruler long enough to do something, he will often agree to do it; similarly, by speaking MTY gently we can often convince others that what we say is right IDM.

¹⁶ If you find some honey, do not eat a lot of it, because doing that may cause you to vomit.

¹⁷ Do not go to your neighbor's house very often to talk with him; if you go very often, he will get tired of listening to you and start to hate you.

¹⁸ To falsely accuse others in court is like SIM attacking them with a war-club or a sword or a sharp arrow.

¹⁹ Depending on unreliable people when you have troubles is as bad as trying to eat when you have a bad/hurting tooth or trying to walk when your foot is crippled.

²⁰ Singing to someone who is depressed just causes him to feel worse; it is like SIM taking off clothes on a very cold day or like putting vinegar on a wound.

²¹ If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink;

²² doing that will cause them to feel ashamed IDM, and Yahweh will reward you for doing that.

²³ When wind blows from the right direction, it will rain; similarly SIM, if we gossip about others, that causes them to look at us very angrily.

²⁴ It is better to live ◄ alone/by yourself► in the corner of an attic/housetop than to live inside the house with a wife who is always nagging.

²⁵ Receiving good news from a country far away refreshes our spirits like SIM cold water refreshes us when we are very thirsty.

²⁶ When a righteous/good person ◄gives in/yields► to wicked people, that is as bad as SIM a spring that becomes muddied or a fountain that becomes polluted.

¹ These are the miscellaneous instructions of Solomon, which the friends of Ezekias king of Judea copied out.

² The glory of God conceals a matter: but the glory of a king honours business.

³ Heaven is high, and earth is deep, and a king's heart is unsearchable.

⁴ Beat the drossy silver, and it shall be made entirely pure.

⁵ Slay the ungodly from before the king, and his throne shall prosper in righteousness.

⁶ Be not boastful in the presence of the king, and remain not in the places of princes;

⁷ for it is better for you that it should be said, Come up to me, than that one should humble you in the presence of the prince; speak of that which your eyes have seen.

⁸ Get not suddenly into a quarrel, lest you repent at last.

⁹ Whenever your friend shall reproach you, retreat backward, despise him not;

¹⁰ lest your friend continue to reproach you, so your quarrel and enmity shall not depart, but shall be to you like death. Favour and friendship set a man free, which do you keep for yourself, lest you be made liable to reproach; but take heed to your ways peaceably.

¹¹ As a golden apple in a necklace of sardius, so is it to speak a wise word.

¹² In an ear-ring of gold a precious sardius is also set; so is a wise word to an obedient ear.

¹³ As a fall of snow in the time of harvest is good against heat, so a faithful messenger refreshes those that send him; for he helps the souls of his employers.

¹⁴ As winds and clouds and rains are most evident objects, so is he that boasts of a false gift.

¹⁵ In longsuffering is prosperity to kings, and a soft tongue breaks the bones.

¹⁶ Having found honey, eat only what is enough, lest haply you be filled, and vomit it up.

¹⁷ Enter sparingly into your friend's house, lest he be satiated with your company, and hate you.

¹⁸ As a club, and a dagger, and a pointed arrow, so also is a man who bears false witness against his friend.

¹⁹ The way of the wicked and the foot of the transgressor shall perish in an evil day.

²⁰ As vinegar is bad for a sore, so trouble befalling the body afflicts the heart. As a moth in a garment, and a worm in wood, so the grief of a man hurts the heart.

²¹ If your enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink;

²² for so doing you shall heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward you with good.

²³ The north wind raises clouds; so an impudent face provokes the tongue.

²⁴ It is better to dwell on a corner of the roof, than with a railing woman in an open house.

²⁵ As cold water is agreeable to a thirsting soul, so is a good message from a land far off.

²⁶ As if one should stop a well, and corrupt a spring of water, so is it unseemly for a righteous man to fall before an ungodly man.

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 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

⁴ Take away the dross from the silver, and material comes out for the refiner.

⁵ Take away the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

⁶ Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king, or claim a place among great men;

⁷ for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.

⁸ Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?

⁹ Debate your case with your neighbor, and don’t betray the confidence of another,

¹⁰ lest one who hears it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart.

¹¹ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

¹² As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.

¹³ As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters.

¹⁴ As clouds and wind without rain, so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.

¹⁵ By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.

¹⁶ Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you eat too much, and vomit it.

¹⁷ Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house, lest he be weary of you, and hate you.

¹⁸ A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.

¹⁹ Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a lame foot.

²⁰ As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

²¹ If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

²² for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and Yahweh will reward you.

²³ The north wind produces rain; so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.

²⁴ It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman.

²⁵ Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

²⁶ Like a muddied spring and a polluted well, so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

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 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

⁴ Take away the dross from the silver, and material comes out for the refiner.

⁵ Take away the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

⁶ Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king, or claim a place among great men;

⁷ for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.

⁸ Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?

⁹ Debate your case with your neighbor, and don’t betray the confidence of another,

¹⁰ lest one who hears it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart.

¹¹ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

¹² As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.

¹³ As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters.

¹⁴ As clouds and wind without rain, so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.

¹⁵ By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.

¹⁶ Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you eat too much, and vomit it.

¹⁷ Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house, lest he be weary of you, and hate you.

¹⁸ A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.

¹⁹ Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a lame foot.

²⁰ As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

²¹ If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

²² for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and Yahweh will reward you.

²³ The north wind produces rain; so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.

²⁴ It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman.

²⁵ Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

²⁶ Like a muddied spring and a polluted well, so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

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 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

⁴ Take away the dross from the silver, and material comes out for the refiner.

⁵ Take away the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

⁶ Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king, or claim a place amongst great men;

⁷ for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.

⁸ Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbour shames you?

⁹ Debate your case with your neighbour, and don’t betray the confidence of another,

¹⁰ lest one who hears it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart.

¹¹ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

¹² As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.

¹³ As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters.

¹⁴ As clouds and wind without rain, so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.

¹⁵ By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.

¹⁶ Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you eat too much, and vomit it.

¹⁷ Let your foot be seldom in your neighbour’s house, lest he be weary of you, and hate you.

¹⁸ A man who gives false testimony against his neighbour is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.

¹⁹ Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a lame foot.

²⁰ As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

²¹ If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

²² for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

²³ The north wind produces rain; so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.

²⁴ It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman.

²⁵ Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

²⁶ Like a muddied spring and a polluted well, so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

¹ These are more wise sayings of Solomon, copied out by the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah.

² It is the glory of God to keep a thing secret: but the glory of kings is to have it searched out.

³ The heaven is high and the earth is deep, and the hearts of kings may not be searched out.

⁴ Take away the waste from silver, and a vessel will come out for the silver-worker.

⁵ Take away evil-doers from before the king, and the seat of his power will be made strong in righteousness.

⁶ Do not take glory for yourself before the king, and do not put yourself in the place of the great:

⁷ For it is better to have it said to you, Come up here; than for you to be put down in a lower place before the ruler.

⁸ Do not be quick to go to law about what you have seen, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbour has put you to shame?

⁹ Have a talk with your neighbour himself about your cause, but do not give away the secret of another:

¹⁰ Or your hearer may say evil of you, and your shame will not be turned away.

¹¹ A word at the right time is like apples of gold in a network of silver.

¹² Like a nose-ring of gold and an ornament of the best gold, is a wise man who says sharp words to an ear ready to give attention.

¹³ As the cold of snow in the time of grain-cutting, so is a true servant to those who send him; for he gives new life to the soul of his master.

¹⁴ As clouds and wind without rain, so is one who takes credit for an offering he has not given.

¹⁵ A judge is moved by one who for a long time undergoes wrongs without protest, and by a soft tongue even bone is broken.

¹⁶ If you have honey, take only as much as is enough for you; for fear that, being full of it, you may not be able to keep it down.

¹⁷ Let not your foot be frequently in your neighbour's house, or he may get tired of you, and his feeling be turned to hate.

¹⁸ One who gives false witness against his neighbour is a hammer and a sword and a sharp arrow.

¹⁹ Putting one's faith in a false man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth and a shaking foot.

²⁰ Like one who takes off clothing in cold weather and like acid on a wound, is he who makes melody to a sad heart.

²¹ If your hater is in need of food, give him bread; and if he is in need of drink, give him water:

²² For so you will put coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will give you your reward.

²³ As the north wind gives birth to rain, so is an angry face caused by a tongue saying evil secretly.

²⁴ It is better to be living in an angle of the house-top, than with a bitter-tongued woman in a wide house.

²⁵ As cold water to a tired soul, so is good news from a far country.

²⁶ Like a troubled fountain and a dirty spring, is an upright man who has to give way before evil-doers.

¹ These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah transcribed.

² It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; but the glory of kings is to search out a thing.

³ The heavens 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 refiner:

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 the great;

⁷ for better it is 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 see.

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, but reveal not the secret of another;

¹⁰ lest he that heareth it disgrace thee, and thine evil report turn not away.

¹¹ As apples of gold in pictures of silver, is a word spoken in season.

¹² An ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, is a wise reprover upon an attentive 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 Clouds and wind without rain, so is a man that boasteth himself of a false gift.

¹⁵ By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

¹⁶ Hast thou found honey? Eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be surfeited therewith, and vomit it.

¹⁷ Let thy foot be seldom in thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee and hate thee.

¹⁸ A maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow, is a man that beareth false witness against his neighbour.

¹⁹ A broken tooth, and a tottering foot, is confidence in an unfaithful man in the day of trouble.

²⁰ As he that taketh off a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to a sad heart.

²¹ If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

²² for thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and Jehovah shall reward thee.

²³ The north wind bringeth forth rain, and the angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

²⁴ It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a contentious woman, and a house in common.

²⁵ As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

²⁶ A troubled fountain, and a defiled well, is a righteous man that giveth way before the wicked.

¹ These are also parables of Solomon, which the men of Ezechias king of Juda copied out.

² It is the glory of God to conceal the word, and the glory of kings to search out the speech.

³ The heaven above, and the earth beneath, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.

⁴ Take away the rust from silver, and there shall come forth a most pure vessel:

⁵ Take away wickedness from the face of the king, and his throne shall be established with justice.

⁶ Appear not glorious before the king, and stand not in the place of great men.

⁷ For it is better that it should be said to thee: Come up hither; than that thou shouldst be humbled before the prince.

⁸ The things which thy eyes have seen, utter not hastily in a quarrel: lest afterward thou mayst not be able to make amends, when thou hast dishonoured thy friend.

⁹ Treat thy cause with thy friend, and discover not the secret to a stranger:

¹⁰ Lest he insult over thee, when he hath heard it, and cease not to upbraid thee. Grace and friendship deliver a man: keep these for thyself, lest thou fall under reproach.

¹¹ To speak a word in due time, is like apples of gold on beds of silver.

¹² As an earring of gold and a bright pearl, so is he that reproveth the wise, and the obedient ear.

¹³ As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to him that sent him, for he refresheth his soul.

¹⁴ As clouds, and wind, when no rain followeth, so is the man that boasteth, and doth not fulfill his promises.

¹⁵ By patience a prince shall be appeased, and a soft tongue shall break hardness.

¹⁶ Thou hast found honey, eat what is sufficient for thee, lest being glutted therewith thou vomit it up.

¹⁷ Withdraw thy foot from the house of thy neighbour, lest having his fill he hate thee.

¹⁸ A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour, is like a dart and a sword and a sharp arrow.

¹⁹ To trust to an unfaithful man in the time of trouble, is like a rotten tooth, and weary foot,

²⁰ And one that looseth his garment in cold weather. As vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to a very evil heart. As a moth doth by a garment, and a worm by the wood: so the sadness of a man consumeth the heart.

²¹ If thy enemy be hungry, give him to eat: if he thirst, give him water to drink:

²² For thou shalt heap hot coals upon his head, and the Lord will reward thee.

²³ The north wind driveth away rain, as doth a sad countenance a backbiting tongue.

²⁴ It is better to sit in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman, and in a common house.

²⁵ As cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good tidings from a far country.

²⁶ A just man falling down before the wicked, is as a fountain troubled with the foot, and a corrupted spring.

¹ These are more proverbs of Solomon, collected by the scribes of Hezekiah, king of Judah.

² God's greatness is in doing things that can't be known, while the greatness of kings is in revealing things.

³ Just as the height of the heavens or the depth of the earth can't be known, the king's thinking can't be known.

⁴ Remove the waste from the silver, and the silversmith has pure silver to work with.

⁵ Remove the wicked from the king's presence and the king will rule securely and justly.

⁶ Don't try to make yourself look great before the king, and don't pretend to be among the important people,

⁷ for it's better to be told, “Come up here,” than to be humiliated before a nobleman. Even though you've seen something with your own eyes,

⁸ don't rush to take legal action, for what are you going to do in the end when your neighbor shows you're wrong and humiliates you?

⁹ Discuss the case with your neighbor himself, and don't betray someone else's secret,

¹⁰ otherwise whoever hears it will make you ashamed and you'll never lose your bad reputation.

¹¹ Advice given at the right time is like golden apples set in silver.

¹² Constructive criticism from the wise to someone who listens is like a gold ring and a necklace of fine gold.

¹³ Faithful messengers are as refreshing to their master as cold snow on a hot harvest day.

¹⁴ Someone who boasts about a gift they never give is like cloud and wind without rain.

¹⁵ If you're patient you can persuade your superior, and soft words can break down opposition.

¹⁶ If you find honey, eat just enough, for if you eat too much, you'll be sick.

¹⁷ Don't set foot in your neighbors' homes too often, otherwise they'll get fed up with you and hate you.

¹⁸ Telling lies in court against a friend is like attacking them with a mace, or a sword, or an arrow.

¹⁹ Trusting in unreliable people in times of trouble is like eating with a broken tooth or walking on a bad foot.

²⁰ Singing happy songs to someone who's broken-hearted is like taking off your coat on a cold day, or pouring vinegar onto an open wound.

²¹ If your enemy is hungry, give him something to eat; if he's thirsty, give him a drink of water.

²² This will make him ashamed as if he had burning coals piled on his head, and the Lord will reward you.

²³ In the same way that the north wind brings rain, slandering people makes them angry.

²⁴ It's better to live in a corner of a housetop than to share a whole house with an argumentative wife.

²⁵ Good news from a distant country is like cold water to an exhausted traveler.

²⁶ Good people who give in to the wicked are like a muddied spring or a polluted well.

¹ THESE ARE ALSO PARABLES of Salomon, which the men of Hezekiah King of Iudah copied out.

² The glorie of God is to conceale a thing secret: but the Kings honour is to search out a thing.

³ The heaues in height, and the earth in deepenes, and the Kings heart can no man search out.

⁴ Take the drosse from the siluer, and there shall proceede a vessell for the finer.

⁵ Take away the wicked from the King, and his throne shall be stablished in righteousnes.

⁶ Boast not thy selfe before the King, and stand not in the place of great men.

⁷ For it is better, that it be saide vnto thee, Come vp hither, then thou to be put lower in the presece of the prince whom thine eyes haue seene.

⁸ Goe not foorth hastily to strife, least thou know not what to doe in the ende thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

⁹ Debate thy matter with thy neighbour, and discouer not the secret to another,

¹⁰ Least he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamie doe not cease.

¹¹ A word spoken in his place, is like apples of golde with pictures of siluer.

¹² He that reprooueth the wise, and the obedient eare, is as a golden earering and an ornament of fine golde.

¹³ As the colde of the snowe in the time of haruest, so is a faithfull messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soule of his masters.

¹⁴ A man that boasteth of false liberalitie, is like cloudes and winde without raine.

¹⁵ A Prince is pacified by staying of anger, and a soft tongue breaketh the bones.

¹⁶ If thou haue found hony, eate that is sufficient for thee, least thou be ouerfull, and vomit it.

¹⁷ Withdrawe thy foote from thy neighbours house, least he be weary of thee, and hate thee.

¹⁸ A man that beareth false witnes against his neighbour, is like an hammer and a sword, and a sharpe arrowe.

¹⁹ Confidence in an vnfaythfull man in time of trouble, is like a broken tooth and a sliding foote.

²⁰ Hee that taketh away the garment in the colde season, is like vineger powred vpon nitre, or like him that singeth songs to an heauy heart.

²¹ If hee that hateth thee be hungry, giue him bread to eate, and if he be thirstie, giue him water to drinke.

²² For thou shalt lay coles vpon his head, and the Lord shall recompense thee.

²³ As the Northwinde driueth away the raine, so doeth an angry countenance the slandering tongue.

²⁴ It is better to dwell in a corner of the house top, then with a contentious woman in a wide house.

²⁵ As are the colde waters to a weary soule, so is good newes from a farre countery.

²⁶ A righteous man falling downe before the wicked, is like a troubled well, and a corrupt spring.

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 refiner;

⁵ Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.

⁶ Glorify not thyself 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, but reveal 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 settings of silver.

¹² As an ear-ring 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 him that sendeth him; for he refresheth the soul of his master.

¹⁴ As vapours and wind without rain, so is he that boasteth himself of a false gift.

¹⁵ By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

¹⁶ Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

¹⁷ Let thy foot be seldom in thy neighbour's house; lest he be sated with thee, and hate thee.

¹⁸ As a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow, so is a man that beareth false witness against his neighbour.

¹⁹ Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

²⁰ As one that taketh off a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.

²¹ If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink;

²² For thou wilt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD will reward thee.

²³ The north wind bringeth forth rain, and a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.

²⁴ It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than in a house in common with a contentious woman.

²⁵ As cold waters to a faint soul, so is good news from a far country.

²⁶ As a troubled fountain, and a corrupted spring, so is a righteous man that giveth way before the wicked.

¹ These are also 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 honour 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 shall come 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 forth thyself in the presence of the king, And stand not in the place of great men:

⁷ For better it is 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 discover not a secret to another:

¹⁰ Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, And thine infamy turn not away.

¹¹ A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in pictures 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 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift Is like clouds and wind without rain.

¹⁵ By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

¹⁶ Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, Lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

¹⁷ Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; Lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

¹⁸ A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour Is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

¹⁹ Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble Is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

²⁰ As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, And as vinegar upon nitre, So is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.

²¹ If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

²² For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, And the Lord shall reward thee.

²³ The north wind driveth away rain: So doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

²⁴ It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, Than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

²⁵ As cold waters to a thirsty soul, So is good news from a far country.

²⁶ A righteous man falling down before the wicked Is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.

¹ Also these are the proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah the king of Judah have collected.

² It is the honor of God to conceal a thing; but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.

³ As are the heavens for height, and the earth is for depth, so should the heart of kings be unsearchable.

⁴ Take away the dross from the silver, and there will come forth a vessel for the melter.

⁵ Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be firmly established in righteousness.

⁶ Do not glorify thyself in the presence of the king, and force thyself not into the place of great men;

⁷ For better it is that it be said unto thee, “Come up hither,” than that thou shouldst be put lower in the presence of the prince, which thy own eyes have often seen.

⁸ Do not proceed to a contest hastily, lest thou know not what thou wilt have to do at its end, when thy neighbor hath put thee to confusion.

⁹ Carry on thy cause with thy neighbor; but lay not open the secret of another:

¹⁰ Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thy infamy never be removed.

¹¹ Like apples of gold among figures of silver is a word spoken in a proper manner.

¹² As an earring of gold, and a pendant of fine gold, so is a wise reprover toward an ear that listeneth.

¹³ As the cooling of snow on a harvest-day, so is a faithful messenger to those that send him; for he refresheth the soul of his master.

¹⁴ Like clouds and wind without rain, so is a man that vaunteth falsely of a gift.

¹⁵ By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh bones.

¹⁶ Hast thou found honey: eat so much as is sufficient for thee: lest thou consume too much of it, and have to vomit it forth.

¹⁷ Make thy foot scarce in the house of thy friend: lest he have too much of thee, and so hate thee.

¹⁸ A battle-axe, and a sword, and a sharpened arrow is a man that testifieth as a false witness against his neighbor.

¹⁹ Like a broken tooth and a foot out of joint, is confidence in a treacherous man in a time of distress.

²⁰ As he that taketh off his garment on a cold day, as vinegar is upon natron: so is he that singeth songs before an unhappy heart.

²¹ If thy enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink;

²² For though thou gatherest coals of fire upon his head, yet will the Lord repay it unto thee.

²³ The north wind bringeth forth rain: so doth secret talking, angry countenances.

²⁴ It is better to dwell in the corner of a roof, than with a quarrelsome woman even in a roomy house.

²⁵ As cold water is to a fainting soul, so are good news from a far-off country.

²⁶ Like a turbid spring and a corrupt fountain, is a righteous man that giveth way before the wicked.

¹ These are the miscellaneous instructions of Solomon, which the friends of Hezekiah king of Judea copied out.

² The glory of God conceals a matter: But the glory of a king honors business.

³ Heaven is high, and earth is deep, And a king’s heart is unsearchable.

⁴ Beat the drossy silver, And it shall be made entirely pure.

⁵ Slay the ungodly from before the king, And his throne shall prosper in righteousness.

⁶ Be not boastful in the presence of the king, And remain not in the places of princes;

⁷ For it is better for thee that it should be said, Come up to me, Than that one should humble thee in the presence of the prince; Speak of that which thine eyes have seen.

⁸ Get not suddenly into a quarrel, Lest thou repent at last.

⁹ Whenever thy friend shall reproach thee, Retreat backward, despise him not;

¹⁰ Lest thy friend continue to reproach thee, So thy quarrel and enmity shall not depart, But shall be to thee like death.

^10a Favor and friendship set a man free, Which do thou keep for thyself, lest thou be made liable to reproach; But take heed to thy ways peaceably.

¹¹ As a golden apple in a necklace of sardius, So is it to speak a wise word.

¹² In an earring of gold a precious sardius is also set; So is a wise word to an obedient ear.

¹³ As a fall of snow in the time of harvest is good against heat, So a faithful messenger refreshes those that send him; For he helps the souls of his employers.

¹⁴ As winds and clouds and rains are most evident objects, So is he that boasts of a false gift.

¹⁵ In long-suffering is prosperity to kings, And a soft tongue breaks the bones.

¹⁶ Having found honey, eat only what is enough, Lest haply thou be filled, and vomit it up.

¹⁷ Enter sparingly into thy friend’s house, Lest he be satiated with thy company, and hate thee.

¹⁸ As a club, and a dagger, and a pointed arrow, So also is a man who bears false witness against his friend.

¹⁹ The way of the wicked and the foot of the transgressor shall perish in an evil day.

²⁰ As vinegar is bad for a sore, So trouble befalling the body afflicts the heart.

^20a As a moth in a garment, and a worm in wood, So the grief of a man hurts the heart.

²¹ If thine enemy hunger, feed him; If he thirst, give him drink;

²² For so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, And the Lord shall reward thee with good.

²³ The north wind raises clouds; So an impudent face provokes the tongue.

²⁴ It is better to dwell on a corner of the roof, Than with a railing woman in an open house.

²⁵ As cold water is agreeable to a thirsting soul, So is a good message from a land far off.

²⁶ As if one should stop a well, and corrupt a spring of water, So is it unseemly for a righteous man to fall before an ungodly man.

¹ These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, collected.

² It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; But it is the glory of kings to search out a matter.

³ As the heavens for their height, And as the earth for its depth, So is the heart of kings unsearchable!

⁴ Take away the dross from the silver, And there will come forth a vessel for the founder;

⁵ Take away the wicked man from the presence of the king, And his throne will be established by righteousness.

⁶ Put not thyself forth in the presence of the king, Nor set thyself in the place of the great;

⁷ For better is it that one should say to thee, “Come up hither!” Than that he should put thee in a lower place, In the presence of the prince whom thine eyes behold.

⁸ Go not forth hastily to engage in a suit, Lest thou know not what to do in the end of it, When thine adversary hath put thee to shame.

⁹ Maintain thy cause with thine adversary, But reveal not another's secret;

¹⁰ Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, And thy infamy depart not from thee.

¹¹ A word spoken in season Is like apples of gold in figured-work of silver.

¹² As a ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, So is a wise reprover to an attentive 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 spirit of his masters.

¹⁴ As clouds and wind without rain, So is the man that boasteth falsely of giving.

¹⁵ By long forbearing is a prince appeased; And a soft tongue breaketh bones.

¹⁶ Hast thou found honey? eat what is sufficient for thee, Lest thou be surfeited with it, and vomit it up.

¹⁷ Let thy foot be seldom in the house of thy friend, Lest he be surfeited with thee and hate thee.

¹⁸ A battle-hammer, and a sword, and a sharp arrow, Is the man who beareth false witness against his neighbor.

¹⁹ As a broken tooth, and a wavering foot, So is trust in an unfaithful man in time of trouble.

²⁰ As he that taketh off a garment on a cold day, As vinegar upon nitre, So is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.

²¹ If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he be thirsty, give him water to drink;

²² For thou wilt heap coals of fire upon his head, And the LORD will reward thee.

²³ As the north wind bringeth forth rain, So a backbiting tongue maketh an angry countenance.

²⁴ Better is it to dwell in a corner of the housetop, Than with a quarrelsome woman in a large house.

²⁵ As cold water to the thirsty, So is good news from a far country.

²⁶ As a troubled fountain, and as a corrupted spring, So is a righteous man falling before the wicked.

¹ These also are proverbs of Solomon Peaceable, Recompense, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah Praised copied out.

² It is the kavod ·weighty glory· of God to conceal a thing, but the kavod ·weighty glory· of kings is to search out a matter.

³ As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

⁴ Take away the dross from the silver, and material comes out for the refiner;

⁵ Take away the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

⁶ Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king, or claim a place among great men;

⁷ for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.

⁸ Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?

⁹ Debate your case with your neighbor, and don’t betray the confidence of another;

¹⁰ lest one who sh'ma ·hears obeys· it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart.

¹¹ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

¹² As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is the reproof of the wise to an sh'ma ·hearing obedient· ear.

¹³ As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters.

¹⁴ As clouds and wind without rain, so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.

¹⁵ By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.

¹⁶ Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you eat too much, and vomit it.

¹⁷ Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house, lest he be weary of you, and hate you.

¹⁸ A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.

¹⁹ Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble is like a bad tooth, or a lame foot.

²⁰ As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

²¹ If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink:

²² for you will heap burning coals of shame on his head, and Adonai will reward you.

²³ The north wind produces rain: so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.

²⁴ It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than to share a house with a contentious woman.

²⁵ Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

²⁶ Like a muddied spring, and a polluted well, so is a upright man who gives way before the wicked.

¹ These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah.

² It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings to search it out.

³ Like the heavens are for height and the earth is for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.

⁴ Remove the dross from the silver and a metal worker can use the silver in his craft.

⁵ Even so, remove wicked people from the presence of the king and his throne will be established by doing what is right.

⁶ Do not honor yourself in the king's presence and do not stand in the place designated for great people.

⁷ It is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman. What you have witnessed,

⁸ do not bring quickly to trial. For what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame?

⁹ Argue your case between you and your neighbor himself and do not disclose another's secret,

¹⁰ or else the one who hears you will bring shame upon you and an evil report about you that cannot be silenced.

¹¹ Apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in the right situation.

¹² A gold ring or jewelry made of fine gold is a wise rebuke to a listening ear.

¹³ Like the cold of snow at harvest time is a faithful messenger for those who sent him; he brings back the life of his masters.

¹⁴ Clouds and wind without rain is the one who boasts about a gift he does not give.

¹⁵ With patience a ruler can be persuaded and a soft tongue can break a bone.

¹⁶ If you find honey, eat just enough— otherwise, having too much of it, you vomit it up.

¹⁷ Do not set your foot in your neighbor's house too often, he may become tired of you and hate you.

¹⁸ A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a club used in war, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.

¹⁹ An unfaithful man in whom you trust in a time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.

²⁰ Like a person who takes off a garment in cold weather, or like vinegar poured upon carbonate of soda, is the one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

²¹ If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,

²² for you will shovel coals of fire on his head and Yahweh will reward you.

²³ As surely as the north wind brings rain, so a tongue that tells secrets will result in angry faces.

²⁴ It is better to live on a corner of the roof than in a house shared with a quarreling wife.

²⁵ Like cold waters to one who is thirsty, so is good news from a far country.

²⁶ Like a fouled spring or a ruined fountain is a righteous person tottering before wicked people.

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 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

⁴ Take away the dross from the silver, and material comes out for the refiner.

⁵ Take away the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

⁶ Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king, or claim a place among great men;

⁷ for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.

⁸ Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?

⁹ Debate your case with your neighbor, and don’t betray the confidence of another,

¹⁰ lest one who hears it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart.

¹¹ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

¹² As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.

¹³ As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters.

¹⁴ As clouds and wind without rain, so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.

¹⁵ By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.

¹⁶ Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you eat too much, and vomit it.

¹⁷ Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house, lest he be weary of you, and hate you.

¹⁸ A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.

¹⁹ Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a lame foot.

²⁰ As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

²¹ If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

²² for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and Yahweh will reward you.

²³ The north wind produces rain; so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.

²⁴ It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman.

²⁵ Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

²⁶ Like a muddied spring and a polluted well, so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

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 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

⁴ Take away the dross from the silver, and material comes out for the refiner.

⁵ Take away the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

⁶ Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king, or claim a place amongst great men;

⁷ for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.

⁸ Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbour shames you?

⁹ Debate your case with your neighbour, and don’t betray the confidence of another,

¹⁰ lest one who hears it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart.

¹¹ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

¹² As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.

¹³ As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters.

¹⁴ As clouds and wind without rain, so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.

¹⁵ By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.

¹⁶ Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you eat too much, and vomit it.

¹⁷ Let your foot be seldom in your neighbour’s house, lest he be weary of you, and hate you.

¹⁸ A man who gives false testimony against his neighbour is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.

¹⁹ Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a lame foot.

²⁰ As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

²¹ If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

²² for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

²³ The north wind produces rain; so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.

²⁴ It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman.

²⁵ Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

²⁶ Like a muddied spring and a polluted well, so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

¹ These are also 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 honor of kings is to search out a matter.

³ The heaven for hight, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.

⁴ Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come 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 forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men :

⁷ For better it is that it be said to thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldst be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thy eyes have seen.

⁸ Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbor hath put thee to shame.

⁹ Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself ; and reveal not a secret to another:

¹⁰ Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thy infamy turn not away.

¹¹ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

¹² As an ear-ring 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 Whoever boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.

¹⁵ By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

¹⁶ Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled with it, and vomit it.

¹⁷ Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbor's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.

¹⁸ A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

¹⁹ Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

²⁰ As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre; so is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.

²¹ If thy enemy shall hunger, give him bread to eat; and if he shall thirst, give him water to drink:

²² For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD will reward thee.

²³ The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.

²⁴ It is better to dwell in a corner of the house-top, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

²⁵ As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

²⁶ A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a turbid fountain, and a corrupt spring.

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 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

⁴ Take away the dross from the silver, and material comes out for the refiner.

⁵ Take away the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

⁶ Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king, or claim a place among great men;

⁷ for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.

⁸ Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?

⁹ Debate your case with your neighbor, and don’t betray the confidence of another,

¹⁰ lest one who hears it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart.

¹¹ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

¹² As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.

¹³ As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters.

¹⁴ As clouds and wind without rain, so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.

¹⁵ By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.

¹⁶ Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you eat too much, and vomit it.

¹⁷ Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house, lest he be weary of you, and hate you.

¹⁸ A man who gives false testimony against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.

¹⁹ Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a lame foot.

²⁰ As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

²¹ If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

²² for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

²³ The north wind produces rain; so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.

²⁴ It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman.

²⁵ Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

²⁶ Like a muddied spring and a polluted well, so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

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 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

⁴ Take away the dross from the silver, and material comes out for the refiner.

⁵ Take away the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.

⁶ Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king, or claim a place amongst great men;

⁷ for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.

⁸ Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbour shames you?

⁹ Debate your case with your neighbour, and don’t betray the confidence of another,

¹⁰ lest one who hears it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart.

¹¹ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

¹² As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.

¹³ As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters.

¹⁴ As clouds and wind without rain, so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively.

¹⁵ By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.

¹⁶ Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you eat too much, and vomit it.

¹⁷ Let your foot be seldom in your neighbour’s house, lest he be weary of you, and hate you.

¹⁸ A man who gives false testimony against his neighbour is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.

¹⁹ Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a lame foot.

²⁰ As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

²¹ If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

²² for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

²³ The north wind produces rain; so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.

²⁴ It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than to share a house with a contentious woman.

²⁵ Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

²⁶ Like a muddied spring and a polluted well, so is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

¹ Also these be the Parables of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, translated.

² The glory of God is to cover a word; and the glory of kings is to seek out a word.

³ Heaven above, and the earth beneath, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.

⁴ Do thou away rust from silver, and a full clean vessel shall go out.

⁵ Do thou away unpiety from the cheer of the king, and his throne shall be made steadfast by rightfulness or rightwiseness.

⁶ Appear thou not glorious before the king, and stand thou not in the place of great men.

⁷ For it is better, that it be said to thee, Ascend thou or Go up hither, than that thou be made low before the prince.

⁸ Bring thou not forth soon those things in strife, which thine eyes saw; lest afterward thou mayest not amend, when thou hast made thy friend unhonest or he hath shamed thee.

⁹ Treat thy cause with thy friend, and show thou not private matter to a strange man;

¹⁰ lest peradventure he have joy of thy fall, when he hath heard, and cease not to do shame to thee.

¹¹ A golden pomme or pommel in beds of silver is he, that speaketh a word in his time.

¹² A golden earring, and a shining pearl is he, that reproveth a wise man, and an ear obeying.

¹³ As the cold of snow in the day of harvest, so a faithful messenger to him that sent him, maketh his soul to have rest.

¹⁴ A cloud and wind, and rain not pursuing or following, is a glorious man, and not ful filling promises.

¹⁵ A prince shall be made soft by patience; and a soft tongue shall break hardness.

¹⁶ Thou hast found honey, eat thou that that sufficeth to thee; lest per-adventure thou be full-filled, and spew it out.

¹⁷ Withdraw thy foot from the house of thy neighbour; lest sometime he be filled, that is, annoyed, and hate thee.

¹⁸ A dart, and a sword, and a sharp arrow, is a man that speaketh false witnessing against his neighbour.

¹⁹ A rotten tooth, and a faint foot is he, that hopeth on an unfaithful man in the day of anguish,

²⁰ and loseth his mantle in the day of cold. Vinegar in a vessel of salt is he, that singeth songs to the worst heart. As a moth annoyeth or harmeth a cloth, and a worm a tree, so the sorrow of a man annoyeth the heart.

²¹ If thine enemy hungereth, feed thou him; if he thirsteth, give thou him water to drink;

²² for thou shalt gather together coals on his head; and the Lord shall yield to thee.

²³ The north wind scattereth abroad rains; and a sorrowful face destroyeth a tongue backbiting.

²⁴ It is better to sit in the corner of an house without a roof, than with a woman full of chiding, and in a common house.

²⁵ Cold water to a thirsty man; and a good messenger from a far land.

²⁶ A well disturbed with foot, and a vein broken, is a just or rightwise man falling before a wicked man.

¹ Also these be the Parables of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, translated.

² The glory of God is to cover a word; and the glory of kings is to seek out a word. (The glory of God be those things which he hath hidden; and the glory of kings is to search them out.)

³ Heaven above, and the earth beneath, and the heart of kings is unsearchable. (The heavens be above, and the earth is beneath, and a king’s heartis unsearchable.)

⁴ Do thou away rust from silver, and a full clean vessel shall go out.

⁵ Do thou away unpiety from the cheer of the king (or Take thou away wicked persons from before the king), and his throne shall be made steadfast by rightfulness.

⁶ Appear thou not glorious before the king, and stand thou not in the place of great men.

⁷ For it is better, that it be said to thee, Ascend thou hither (or Come thou up here), than that thou be made low before the prince.

⁸ Bring thou not forth soon those things in strife, which thine eyes saw; lest afterward thou mayest not amend, when thou hast made thy friend unhonest. (Bring thou not soon forth those things in strife, or an argument, which thine eyes saw; lest afterward thou cannot correct it, when thou hast dishonoured thy friend.)

⁹ Treat thy cause with thy friend, and show thou not (a) private (matter) to a strange man;

¹⁰ lest peradventure he have joy of thy fall (or lest perhaps he have joy over thy fall), when he hath heard (of it), and cease not to do shame to thee.

¹¹ (As) A golden pommel in beds of silver is he, that speaketh a word in his time. (Like a golden apple in beds of silver, is a word spoken at its proper time.)

¹² (As) A golden earring, and a shining pearl is he, that reproveth a wise man, and an ear obeying. (Like a golden earring, and a shining pearl, is a wise person who rebuketh someone with an obedient ear.)

¹³ As the cold of snow in the day of harvest, so a faithful messenger to him that sent him, maketh his soul to have rest. (Like the cold of snow on the day of harvest, is a faithful messenger to him who sent him, for he maketh his soul to have rest.)

¹⁴ (As) A cloud and wind, and (then) rain not following, is a glorious man, and not ful filling promises. (Like a cloud and wind, but then rain not following, is a honourable person who fulfilleth not his promises.)

¹⁵ A prince shall be made soft by patience; and a soft tongue shall break hardness.

¹⁶ Thou hast found honey, eat thou (only) that that sufficeth to thee; lest peradventure thou be (over-)filled, and spew it out.

¹⁷ Withdraw thy foot from the house of thy neighbour; lest sometime he be filled (of thee), that is, annoyed (by thee), and hate thee.

¹⁸ (Like) A dart, and a sword, and a sharp arrow, (is) a man that speaketh false witnessing against his neighbour.

¹⁹ (As) A rotten tooth, and a faint foot is he, that hopeth on an unfaithful man in the day of anguish, (Like a rotten tooth, and a faint foot, is he, who hopeth on, or trusteth in, an unfaithful person on his day of anguish.)

²⁰ and loseth his mantle in the day of cold. Vinegar in a vessel of salt is he, that singeth songs to the worst heart. As a moth harmeth a cloth, and a worm harmeth a tree, so the sorrow of a man harmeth the heart. (Like him who taketh away a mantle on a cold day, and like vinegar in a vessel of salt, is he who singeth songs to an aggrieved heart. Like a moth harmeth a cloak, and a worm harmeth a tree, so a person’s sorrow harmeth his heart.)

²¹ If thine enemy hungereth, feed thou him; if he thirsteth, give thou him water to drink;

²² for thou shalt gather together coals on his head; and the Lord shall yield to thee. (for thou shalt gather together coals upon his head; and the Lord shall reward thee.)

²³ The north wind scattereth abroad rains; and a sorrowful face destroyeth a tongue backbiting. (Like the north wind scattereth rains abroad; so an angry look destroyeth a backbiting tongue.)

²⁴ It is better to sit in the corner of an house without a roof, than with a woman full of chiding, and in a common house. (It is better to sit in the corner of a house without a roof, than to be with a woman full of arguments, or of bickering, in a house together.)

²⁵ Cold water to a thirsty man; and a good messenger from a far land. (Like cold water to a thirsty man, is good news from a far land.)

²⁶ (As) A well disturbed with foot, and a vein broken, (is) a just man falling before a wicked man. (Like a well disturbed with a foot, and a broken fountain, is the righteous falling before the wicked.)

¹ Also these are Proverbs of Solomon, that men of Hezekiah king of Judah transcribed: —

² The honour of God is to hide a thing, And the honour of kings to search out a matter.

³ The heavens for height, and the earth for depth, And the heart of kings — are unsearchable.

⁴ Take away dross from silver, And a vessel for the refiner goeth forth,

⁵ Take away the wicked before a king, And established in righteousness is his throne.

⁶ Honour not thyself before a king, And in the place of the great stand not.

⁷ For better that he hath said to thee, 'Come thou up hither,' Than that he humble thee before a noble, Whom thine eyes have seen.

⁸ Go not forth to strive, haste, turn, What dost thou in its latter end, When thy neighbour causeth thee to blush?

⁹ Thy cause plead with thy neighbour, And the secret counsel of another reveal not,

¹⁰ Lest the hearer put thee to shame, And thine evil report turn not back.

¹¹ Apples of gold in imagery of silver, Is the word spoken at its fit times.

¹² A ring of gold, and an ornament of pure gold, Is the wise reprover to an attentive ear.

¹³ As a vessel of snow in a day of harvest, So is a faithful ambassador to those sending him, And the soul of his masters he refresheth.

¹⁴ Clouds and wind, and rain there is none, Is a man boasting himself in a false gift.

¹⁵ By long-suffering is a ruler persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh a bone.

¹⁶ Honey thou hast found — eat thy sufficiency, Lest thou be satiated with it, and hast vomited it.

¹⁷ Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house, Lest he be satiated with thee, and have hated thee.

¹⁸ A maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow, Is the man testifying against his neighbour a false testimony.

¹⁹ A bad tooth, and a tottering foot, Is the confidence of the treacherous in a day of adversity.

²⁰ Whoso is taking away a garment in a cold day, Is as vinegar on nitre, And a singer of songs on a sad heart.

²¹ If he who is hating thee doth hunger, cause him to eat bread, And if he thirst, cause him to drink water.

²² For coals thou art putting on his head, And Jehovah giveth recompense to thee.

²³ A north wind bringeth forth rain, And a secret tongue — indignant faces.

²⁴ Better to sit on a corner of a roof, Than with a woman of contentions, and a house of company.

²⁵ As cold waters for a weary soul, So is a good report from a far country.

²⁶ A spring troubled, and a fountain corrupt, Is the righteous falling before the wicked.