Proverbs

 2 It is the glory of God to keep a matter secret,+

And the glory of kings is to search through a matter.

 3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,

So the heart of kings is unsearchable.

 4 Remove the dross from the silver,

And it will emerge completely refined.+

 5 Remove the wicked one from the king’s presence,

And his throne will be firmly established in righteousness.+

 6 Do not honor yourself before the king,+

And do not take a place among the prominent,+

 7 For it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,”

 8 Do not rush into a legal dispute,

For what will you do later if your neighbor humiliates you?+

 9 Plead your case with your neighbor,+

But do not reveal what you were told confidentially,*+

10 So that the one listening will not put you to shame

And you spread a bad report* that cannot be recalled.

11 Like apples of gold in silver carvings*

Is a word spoken at the right time.+

12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold

Is a wise reprover to the receptive ear.+

13 Just like the coldness of snow on the day of harvest

Is a faithful messenger to those who sent him,

For he refreshes his master.*+

14 Like clouds and wind that bring no rain

Is a man who boasts about a gift never given.*+

15 By patience a commander is won over,

And a gentle* tongue can break a bone.+

16 If you find honey, eat only what you need,

For if you take too much, you may vomit it up.+

17 Rarely set foot in your neighbor’s house,

So that he does not get tired of you and hate you.

18 Like a war club and a sword and a sharp arrow

Is a man bearing false witness against his neighbor.+

19 Like a broken tooth or an unsteady foot

Is confidence in an unreliable* person in times of trouble.

20 Like one who removes a garment on a cold day

And like vinegar poured on soda*

Is the one who sings songs to a gloomy heart.+

21 If your enemy* is hungry, give him bread to eat;

If he is thirsty, give him water to drink,+

22 For you will be heaping burning coals on his head,*+

And Jehovah will reward you.

23 The north wind brings a downpour,

And a gossiping tongue brings an angry face.+

24 Better to dwell on a corner of the roof

Than in the same house with a quarrelsome* wife.+

25 Like cold water on a tired soul*

Is a good report from a distant land.+

26 Like a muddied spring and a ruined well

Is a righteous person who gives in to* a wicked one.

27 It is not good to eat too much honey,+

Nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.+

28 As a city broken through, without a wall,

Is the man who cannot control his temper.*+