In this and the four following chapters are contained various maxims and observations of Solomon, collected by the men of Hezekiah, about kings, and other subjects of both private and public concern.
Quick Tip
Reading is great—but if you ever want to study, just tap a lightbulb
icon.
1These are also 1proverbs of Solomon, which 2the men of 3Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
2it is1the glory of God to conceal a thing: 2but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
3The 1heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings ais unsearchable.
41Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.
51Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.
6aPut not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and 1stand not in the place of great men:
7For 1better 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.
81Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
91Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and adiscover not a secret to another:
10Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and 1thine infamy turn not away.
11A 1word afitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
12as1an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
13As 1the 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.
141Whoso boasteth himself aof a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
15By 1long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
161Hast thou found honey? 2eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
17aWithdraw 1thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be bweary of thee, and so hate thee.
18A 1man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and 2a sharp arrow.
191Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
20as he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, 1so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.
21If 1thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
22For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.
23aThe 1north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance 2a backbiting tongue.
24it is1better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.
25as1cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is2good news from a far country.
26A 1righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a 2troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring.
27it is1not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
28He 1that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.