Proverbs

¹ These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:

² to search out a matter is the glory of kings.

³ so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

⁴ and out comes material for the silversmith;

⁵ and his throne will be established through righteousness.

⁶ and do not claim a place among great men;

⁷ than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman. What you have seen with your eyes

⁸ for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?

⁹ do not betray another man’s confidence,

¹⁰ and you will never lose your bad reputation.

¹¹ is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

¹² is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.

¹³ is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters.

¹⁴ is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.

¹⁵ and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

¹⁶ too much of it, and you will vomit.

¹⁷ too much of you, and he will hate you.

¹⁸ is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor.

¹⁹ is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.

²⁰ or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

²¹ if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

²² and the Lord will reward you.

²³ so a sly tongue brings angry looks.

²⁴ than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

²⁵ is good news from a distant land.

²⁶ is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked.

²⁷ nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor.

²⁸ is a man who lacks self-control.