23 When you sit to eat with a ruler,
    consider diligently what is before you;
² put a knife to your throat,
    if you are a man given to appetite.
³ Don’t be desirous of his dainties,
    since they are deceitful food.

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.