The Way Things Are?

^[1] These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah: ^[2] It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. ^[3] As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable. ^[4] Remove the dross from the silver, and out comes material for the silversmith; ^[5] remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness. ^[6] Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among great men; ^[7] it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman. What you have seen with your eyes ^[8] do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame? ^[9] If you argue your case with a neighbor, do not betray another man’s confidence, ^[10] or he who hears it may shame you and you will never lose your bad reputation. ^[11] A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. ^[12] Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear. ^[13] Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters. ^[14] Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give. ^[15] Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. ^[16] If you find honey, eat just enough- too much of it, and you will vomit. ^[17] Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house- too much of you, and he will hate you. ^[18] Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor. ^[19] Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble. ^[20] Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. ^[21] If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. ^[22] In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. ^[23] As a north wind brings rain, so a sly tongue brings angry looks. ^[24] Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife. ^[25] Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. ^[26] Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked. ^[27] It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor. ^[28] Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.