² It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;
    to search out a matter is the glory of kings.^(A)
3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,
    so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

⁴ Remove the dross from the silver,
    and a silversmith can produce a vessel;
⁵ remove wicked officials from the king’s presence,^(B)
    and his throne will be established^(C) through righteousness.^(D)

⁶ Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence,
    and do not claim a place among his great men;
⁷ it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,”^(E)
    than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.

What you have seen with your eyes

¹⁵ Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,^(A)
    and a gentle tongue can break a bone.^(B)