1 Here are some more

of Solomon's proverbs.

They were copied by the officials

of King Hezekiah of Judah.

2 God is praised

for being mysterious;

rulers are praised

for explaining mysteries.

3 Who can fully understand

the thoughts of a ruler?

They reach beyond the sky

and go deep in the earth.

4 Silver must be purified

before it can be used

to make something of value.

5 Evil people must be removed

before anyone can rule

with justice.

6 * Don't try to seem important

in the court of a ruler.

7 It's better for the ruler

to give you a high position

than for you to be embarrassed

in front of royal officials.

Be sure you are right

8 before you sue someone,

or you might lose your case

and be embarrassed.

9 When you and someone else

can't get along,

don't gossip about it.*

10 Others will find out,

and your reputation

will then be ruined.

11 The right word

at the right time

is like precious gold

set in silver.

12 Listening to good advice

is worth much more

than jewelry made of gold.

13 A messenger you can trust

is just as refreshing

as cool water in summer.

14 Broken promises

are worse than rain clouds

that don't bring rain.

15 Patience and gentle talk

can convince a ruler

and overcome any problem.

16 Eating too much honey

can make you sick.

17 Don't visit friends too often,

or they will get tired of it

and start hating you.

18 Telling lies about friends

is like attacking them

with clubs and swords

and sharp arrows.

19 A friend you can't trust

in times of trouble

is like having a toothache

or a sore foot.

20 Singing to someone

in deep sorrow

is like pouring vinegar

in an open cut.*

21 * If your enemies are hungry,

give them something to eat.

And if they are thirsty,

give them something

to drink.

22 This will be the same

as piling burning coals

on their heads.

And the Lord

will reward you.

23 As surely as rain blows in

from the north,

anger is caused

by cruel words.

24 It's better to stay outside

on the roof of your house

than to live inside

with a nagging wife.

25 Good news from far away

refreshes like cold water

when you are thirsty.

26 When a good person gives in

to the wicked,

it's like dumping garbage

in a stream of clear water.

27 Don't eat too much honey

or always want praise.*

28 Losing self-control

leaves you as helpless

as a city without a wall.