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,

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