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The Beginning of Knowledge
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:
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By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice.
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In a multitude of people is a king’s honor, But in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince.
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The king’s favor is toward a wise servant, But his wrath is against him who causes shame.
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Divination is on the lips of the king; His mouth must not transgress in judgment.
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It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established by righteousness.
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Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And they love him who speaks what is right.
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As messengers of death is the king’s wrath, But a wise man will appease it.
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In the light of the king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain.
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The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass.
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The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; Whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life.
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A king who sits on the throne of judgment Scatters all evil with his eyes.
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A wise king sifts out the wicked, And brings the threshing wheel over them.
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Mercy and truth preserve the king, And by lovingkindness he upholds his throne.
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The Lord Considers the Heart
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
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He who loves purity of heart And has grace on his lips, The king will be his friend.
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Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.
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My son, fear the Lord and the king; Do not associate with those given to change;
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Further Wise Sayings of Solomon
These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:
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It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
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As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
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Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness.
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Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of the great;
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The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it.
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The king who judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever.
