⁵ 
A wise man is strong,
And a man of knowledge strengthens his power;^(A)
6 
For by wise guidance you can wage your war,
And in an abundance of [wise] counselors there is victory and safety.

²⁷ 
Prepare your work outside
And get it ready for yourself in the field;
^[a]Afterward build your house and establish a home.

⁴ 
Take away the dross from the silver,
And there comes out [the pure metal for] a vessel for the silversmith [to shape].^(A)
5 
Take away the wicked from before the king,
And his throne will be established in righteousness.

¹⁵ 
By patience and a calm spirit a ruler may be persuaded,
And a soft and gentle tongue breaks the bone [of resistance].^(A)