29 Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will stand in the presence of kings.
He will not stand in the presence of unknown men.(A)

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29 Do you see people who work skillfully?
    They will work for kings
        but not work for lowly people.

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A wise warrior is better than a strong one,[a]
and a man of knowledge than one of strength;[b](A)
for you should wage war with sound guidance—
victory comes with many counselors.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 24:5 LXX, Syr; MT reads one is in strength
  2. Proverbs 24:5 LXX, Syr, Tg; MT reads knowledge exerts strength

A wise person is mightier than a strong one;[a]
    a knowledgeable person than a powerful one.
You should make war with guidance;
    victory comes with many counselors.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 24:5 LXX; MT A wise man is strong.

27 Complete your outdoor work, and prepare your field;(A)
afterward, build your house.

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27 Get your outside work done;
    make preparations in the field;
    then you can build your house.

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Remove impurities from silver,(A)
and a vessel will be produced[a] for a silversmith.(B)
Remove the wicked from the king’s presence,(C)
and his throne will be established in righteousness.(D)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 25:4 Lit will come out; Ex 32:24

Remove the dross from the silver,
    and a vessel will come out for the refiner.
Remove the wicked from the king’s presence,
    and his throne will be established in righteousness.

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

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15 A commander can be persuaded with patience,
    and a tender tongue can break a bone.

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By justice a king brings stability to a land,(A)
but a man who demands “contributions”[a]
demolishes it.(B)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 29:4 The Hb word for “contributions” usually refers to offerings in worship.

A king gives stability to the land by justice,
    but one who imposes heavy taxes tears it down.

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14 A king who judges the poor with fairness—
his throne will be established forever.(A)

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14 If a king judges the poor honestly,
    his throne will be established forever.

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