251 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah , king of Judah , transcribed .
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter , But the glory of kings is to search out a matter . 3 As the heavens for height and the earth for depth , So the heart of kings is unsearchable e .
4 Take away the dross from the silver , And there comes out a vessel for the smith ; 5 Take away the wicked before the king , And his throne will be established in righteousness .
6 Do not claim honor in the presence of the king , And do not stand in the place of great men ; 7 For it is better that it be said to you, "Come up here ," Than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince , Whom your eyes have seen .
8 Do not go out hastily to argue your case; Otherwise , what will you do in the end , When your neighbor humiliates you? 9 Argue your case with your neighbor , And do not reveal the secret of another , 10 Or he who hears it will reproach you, And the evil report about you will not pass away .
11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances . 12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise reprover to a listening ear .
13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters .
14 Like clouds and wind without rain Is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely .
15 By forbearance e a ruler may be persuaded , And a soft tongue breaks the bone .
16 Have you found honey ? Eat only what you need , That you not have it in excess and vomit it.
17 Let your foot rarely be in your neighbor's house , Or he will become weary of you and hate you.
18 Like a club and a sword and a sharp arrow Is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor .
19 Like a bad tooth and an unsteady foot Is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble .
20 Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day , or like vinegar on soda , Is he who sings songs to a troubled heart .
21 If your enemy is hungry , give him food to eat ; And if he is thirsty , give him water to drink ; 22 For you will heap burning coals on his head , And the Lord will reward you.
23 The north wind brings forth rain , And a backbiting tongue , an angry countenance .
24 It is better to live in a corner of the roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman .
25 Like cold water to a weary soul , So is good news from a distant land .
26 Like a trampled spring and a polluted well Is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked .
27 It is not good to eat much honey , Nor is it glory to search out one's own glory .
28 Like a city that is broken into and without walls Is a man who has no control over his spirit .
