² The glory of God^[a] conceals things,
    but the glory of kings searches out things.
³ As heaven is to height and the earth is to depth,
    so is the heart^[b] of kings—there is no searching.
⁴ Remove the dross from silver,
    and it will become a vessel for the smith.
⁵ Remove the wicked before a king,
    and his throne will be established in righteousness.^[c]
6 Do not promote yourself before the king,
    and in the place of the great ones do not stand.
⁷ For it is better that he say to you, “Ascend here,”
    than he humble you before a noble.
What your eyes have seen,

¹⁵ With patience^[a] a ruler may be persuaded,
    and a soft tongue will break a bone.^[b]