²⁹ Do you see a man skilled in his work?
    He will work for kings, not unimportant people.

⁵ A wise man is strong,^[a]
    and a knowledgeable man grows in strength.
⁶ For through wise counsel you will wage your war,
    and victory lies in an abundance of advisors.

²⁷ First do your outside work,
    preparing your land for yourself.
        After that, build your house.

⁴ Purge the dross from the silver,
    and material for^[a] a vessel comes forth for the silversmith.
⁵ Purge the wicked from the king’s presence,
    and his throne will be established in righteousness.

¹⁵ Through patience a ruler may be persuaded;
    a gentle word^[a] can break a bone.