1
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These are also parables of Solomon, which the men of Ezechias, king of Juda, copied out.
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2
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It is the glory of God to conceal the word, and the glory of kings to search out the speech.
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3
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The heaven above and the earth beneath, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.
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4
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Take away the rust from silver, and there shall come forth a most pure vessel:
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5
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Take away wickedness from the face of the king, and his throne shall be established with justice.
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6
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Appear not glorious before the king, and stand not in the place of great men.
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7
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For it is better that it should be said to thee: Come up hither; than that thou shouldst be humbled before the prince.
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8
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The things which thy eyes have seen, utter not hastily in a quarrel: lest afterward thou mayst not be able to make amends, when thou hast dishonoured thy friend.
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9
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Treat thy cause with thy friend, and discover not the secret to a stranger:
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10
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Lest he insult over thee, when he hath heard it, and cease not to upbraid thee. Grace and friendship deliver a man: keep these for thyself, lest thou fall under reproach.
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11
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To speak a word in due time, is like apples of gold on beds of silver.
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12
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As an earring of gold and a bright pearl, so is he that reproveth the wise, and the obedient ear.
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13
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As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to him that sent him, for he refresheth his soul.
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14
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As clouds, and wind, when no rain followeth, so is the man that boasteth, and doth not fulfil his promises.
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15
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By patience a prince shall be appeased, and a soft tongue shall break hardness.
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16
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Thou hast found honey, eat what is sufficient for thee, lest being glutted therewith thou vomit it up.
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17
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Withdraw thy foot from the house of thy neighbour, lest having his fill he hate thee.
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18
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A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour, is like a dart and a sword and a sharp arrow.
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19
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To trust in an unfaithful man in the time of trouble, is like a rotten tooth, and weary foot,
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20
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And one that looseth his garment in cold weather. As vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to a very evil heart. As a moth doth by a garment, and a worm by the wood: so the sadness of a man consumeth the heart.
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21
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If thy enemy be hungry, give him to eat: if he thirst, give him water to drink:
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22
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For thou shalt heap hot coals upon his head, and the Lord will reward thee.
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23
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The north wind driveth away rain, as doth a sad countenance a backbiting tongue.
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24
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It is better to sit in a corner of the housetop: than with a brawling woman, and in a common house.
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25
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As cold water to a thirsty soul, so are good tidings from a far country.
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26
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A just man falling down before the wicked, is as a fountain troubled with the foot and a corrupted spring.
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27
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As it is not good for a man to eat much honey, so he that is a searcher of majesty shall be overwhelmed by glory.
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28
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As a city that lieth open and is not compassed with walls, so is a man that cannot refrain his own spirit in speaking.
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