1These are also proverbs from Solomon, which King Hezekiah of Judah’s officials copied down.
2It is to God’s credit to keep a matter secret, but it is to the credit of kings to investigate a matter.
3Just as the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the thoughts of kings are impossible to discover.
4Remove the impurities from silver, and a craftsman will have material to work with;
5Remove wicked people from the king’s presence, and his rule will be built on fairness.
6Don’t promote yourself in the presence of the king, or try to take a place among important men;
7because it is better for him to tell you, “Come up here,” than for him to put you lower in front of the prince, whom you have seen.
8Don’t be quick to take someone to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbor proves you wrong?
9Discuss your case with your neighbor, but don’t reveal someone else’s secret;
10otherwise, anyone who hears it will shame you, and your bad reputation will never go away.
11A word spoken at the right time is like golden apples in silver settings.
12Like a gold earring and a fine gold ornament, so is a wise person who corrects someone who is willing to listen.
13Like the relief of snow in harvest time, so is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the spirit of his masters.
14Like clouds and wind that bring no rain, so is someone who boasts about gifts they don’t actually give.
15With patience a ruler can be persuaded. A gentle tongue can break a bone.
16If you find honey, eat only as much as you need; otherwise, you might eat too much and throw it up.
17Don't visit your neighbor's house too often, or they might get tired of you and dislike you.
18Someone who lies about their neighbor is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.
19Trusting an unfaithful person in a difficult time is like having a bad tooth or a twisted foot.
20Singing songs to someone with a heavy heart is like taking off their coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar on a wound.
21If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
22because you will make him feel deep shame, and Yahweh will reward you.
23Just as the north wind brings rain, gossiping brings angry looks.
24It is better to live on the corner of a rooftop than to share a house with a nagging woman.
25Good news from a faraway land is like cold water to a thirsty person.
26A righteous person who gives in to the wicked is like a muddied spring or a polluted well.
27Eating too much honey is not good, and it is not honorable to constantly seek your own praise.
28A person who cannot control their temper is like a city with broken down walls.