It is the glory of God to (A)conceal things,
    but the glory of kings is to (B)search things out.
As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,
    so the heart of kings is (C)unsearchable.
Take away (D)the dross from the silver,
    and (E)the smith has material for a vessel;
take away (F)the wicked from the presence of the king,
    and his (G)throne will be established in righteousness.
Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence
    or stand in the place of the great,
for (H)it is better to be told, “Come up here,”
    than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.

What your eyes have seen
    (I)do not hastily bring into court,[a]
for[b] what will you do in the end,
    when your neighbor puts you to shame?
(J)Argue your case with your neighbor himself,
    and do not reveal another's secret,
10 lest he who hears you bring shame upon you,
    and your ill repute have no end.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 25:8 Or presence of a noble, as your eyes have seen. 8Do not go hastily out to court
  2. Proverbs 25:8 Hebrew or else

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