Proverbs

¹ collected by scribes of Hezekiah, king of Judah.

² scientists delight in discovering things.

³ the understanding of a good leader is broad and deep.

⁴ and the silversmith can craft a fine chalice;

⁵ and authority will be credible and God-honoring.

⁶ don't push your way into the place of prominence.

⁷ than face humiliation by being demoted.

⁸ a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw.

⁹ don't betray confidences;

¹⁰ and no one will trust you.

¹¹ is like a custom-made piece of jewelry,

¹² is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.

¹³ are like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing!

¹⁴ is the person who talks big but never produces.

¹⁵ gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses.

¹⁶ eat too much chocolate and you'll make yourself sick;

¹⁷ show up at all hours and he'll soon get fed up.

¹⁸ in court or on the street is a loose cannon.

¹⁹ is like biting down on an abscessed tooth.

²⁰ is like pouring salt in their wounds.

²¹ if he's thirsty, bring him a drink.

²² and God will look after you.

²³ and a gossipy tongue stormy looks.

²⁴ than share a mansion with a nagging spouse.

²⁵ is a letter from a long-lost friend.

²⁶ is a muddied spring, a polluted well.

²⁷ nor is glory piled on glory good for you.

²⁸ is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out.