^6 (A)When you stand before the king, don't try to impress him and pretend to be important. ⁷ It is better to be asked to take a higher position than to be told to give your place to someone more important.

⁸ Don't be too quick to go to court about something you have seen. If another witness later proves you wrong, what will you do then?

⁹ If you and your neighbor have a difference of opinion, settle it between yourselves and do not reveal any secrets. ¹⁰ Otherwise everyone will learn that you can't keep a secret, and you will never live down the shame.

¹¹ An idea well-expressed is like a design of gold, set in silver.

¹² A warning given by an experienced person to someone willing to listen is more valuable than gold rings or jewelry made of the finest gold.

¹³ A reliable messenger is refreshing to the one who sends him, like cold water in the heat of harvest time.

¹⁴ People who promise things that they never give are like clouds and wind that bring no rain.