² It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
    and the glory of kings to investigate a matter.
³ Just as the heavens are high
    and earth is deep,
        so the heart of a king is unfathomable.

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.

⁶ Don’t magnify yourself in the presence of a king,
    and don’t pretend to be in the company of famous men,
⁷ for it is better that it be told you, “Come up here,”
    than for you to be placed lower
        in the presence of an official.

What you’ve seen with your own eyes,
⁸ don’t be in a hurry to argue in court.
Otherwise, what will you do later on
    when your neighbor humiliates you?
⁹ Instead, take up the matter with your neighbor,
    and don’t betray another person’s confidence.
¹⁰ Otherwise, anyone who hears will make you ashamed,
    and your bad reputation will never leave you.

¹¹ Like golden apples set in silver
    is a word spoken at the right time.
¹² Like a gold earring and a necklace of pure gold
    is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

¹³ Like cold snow during harvest time
    is a faithful messenger to those who send him;
        he refreshes his masters.
¹⁴ Like clouds and winds without rain
    is the man who brags
        about gifts he never gave.

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

¹⁶ If you find some honey,
    eat only what you need.
Take too much,
    and you’ll vomit.

¹⁷ Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s home;
    otherwise, he’ll grow weary and hate you.

¹⁸ A club, a sword, and a sharp arrow—
    that’s what a man is who lies about his neighbor.

¹⁹ A bad tooth and an unsteady foot—
    that’s what confidence in an unreliable man is like
        in a time of trouble.

²⁰ Taking your coat off when it’s cold
    or pouring vinegar on soda—
        that’s what singing songs does to a heavy heart.

²¹ If your enemy hungers, give him food to eat;
    and if he thirsts, give him water to drink.
²² For you’ll be piling burning coals of shame^[c] on his head
    and the Lord will reward you.

²³ The north wind brings rain,
    and a backbiting tongue an angry look.

²⁴ It’s better to live in a corner on the roof
    than in a house with a contentious woman.

²⁵ Cold water to someone who is thirsty^[d]—
    that’s what good news from a distant land is.

²⁶ A muddied spring or a polluted well—
    that’s what a righteous person is
        who compromises with the wicked.

²⁷ To eat too much honey isn’t good;
    and neither is it honorable to seek one’s own glory.

²⁸ Like a city with breached walls
    is a man without self-control.