1 These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled 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 a silversmith can produce a vessel;5 remove wicked officials 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 his great men;7 it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here," than for him to humiliate you before his nobles. What you have seen with your eyes8 do not bring "hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?9 If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another's confidence,10 or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand.11 Like apples "of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.13 Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master.14 Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given.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 they will hate you.18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.19 Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, 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 Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain is a sly tongue —which provokes a horrified look.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 are the righteous who give way to the wicked.27 It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.28 Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

1 H quoque parabol Salomonis, quas transtulerunt viri Ezechi regis Juda. 2 [Gloria Dei est celare verbum,et gloria regum investigare sermonem.3 Clum sursum, et terra deorsum,et cor regum inscrutabile.4 Aufer rubiginem de argento,et egredietur vas purissimum.5 Aufer impietatem de vultu regis,et firmabitur justitia thronus ejus.6 Ne gloriosus appareas coram rege,et in loco magnorum ne steteris.7 Melius est enim ut dicatur tibi : Ascende huc,quam ut humilieris coram principe.]8 [Qu viderunt oculi tui ne proferas in jurgio cito,ne postea emendare non possis,cum dehonestaveris amicum tuum.9 Causam tuam tracta cum amico tuo,et secretum extraneo ne reveles :10 ne forte insultet tibi cum audierit,et exprobrare non cesset.Gratia et amicitia liberant :quas tibi serva, ne exprobrabilis fias.11 Mala aurea in lectis argenteis,qui loquitur verbum in tempore suo.12 Inauris aurea, et margaritum fulgens,qui arguit sapientem et aurem obedientem.13 Sicut frigus nivis in die messis,ita legatus fidelis ei qui misit eum :animam ipsius requiescere facit.14 Nubes, et ventus, et pluvi non sequentes,vir gloriosus et promissa non complens.15 Patientia lenietur princeps,et lingua mollis confringet duritiam.]16 [Mel invenisti : comede quod sufficit tibi,ne forte satiatus evomas illud.17 Subtrahe pedem tuum de domo proximi tui,nequando satiatus oderit te.18 Jaculum, et gladius, et sagitta acuta,homo qui loquitur contra proximum suum falsum testimonium.19 Dens putridus, et pes lassus,qui sperat super infideli in die angusti,20 et amittit pallium in die frigoris.Acetum in nitro,qui cantat carmina cordi pessimo.Sicut tinea vestimento, et vermis ligno,ita tristitia viri nocet cordi.21 Si esurierit inimicus tuus, ciba illum ;si sitierit, da ei aquam bibere :22 prunas enim congregabis super caput ejus,et Dominus reddet tibi.23 Ventus aquilo dissipat pluvias,et facies tristis linguam detrahentem.24 Melius est sedere in angulo domatisquam cum muliere litigiosa et in domo communi.25 Aqua frigida anim sitienti,et nuntius bonus de terra longinqua.26 Fons turbatus pede et vena corrupta,justus cadens coram impio.27 Sicut qui mel multum comedit non est ei bonum,sic qui scrutator est majestatis opprimetur a gloria.28 Sicut urbs patens et absque murorum ambitu,ita vir qui non potest in loquendo cohibere spiritum suum.]