251 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah , king of Judah , transcribed .
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a matter , But the glory of kings is to search out a matter . 3 As the heavens for height and the earth for depth , So the heart of kings is unsearchable e .
4 Take away the dross from the silver , And there comes out a vessel for the smith ; 5 Take away the wicked before the king , And his throne will be established in righteousness .
6 Do not claim honor in the presence of the king , And do not stand in the place of great men ; 7 For it is better that it be said to you, "Come up here ," Than for you to be placed lower in the presence of the prince , Whom your eyes have seen .
8 Do not go out hastily to argue your case; Otherwise , what will you do in the end , When your neighbor humiliates you? 9 Argue your case with your neighbor , And do not reveal the secret of another , 10 Or he who hears it will reproach you, And the evil report about you will not pass away .
11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances . 12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise reprover to a listening ear .
13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters .
14 Like clouds and wind without rain Is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely .
15 By forbearance e a ruler may be persuaded , And a soft tongue breaks the bone .
16 Have you found honey ? Eat only what you need , That you not have it in excess and vomit it.
17 Let your foot rarely be in your neighbor's house , Or he will become weary of you and hate you.
18 Like a club and a sword and a sharp arrow Is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor .
19 Like a bad tooth and an unsteady foot Is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble .
20 Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day , or like vinegar on soda , Is he who sings songs to a troubled heart .
21 If your enemy is hungry , give him food to eat ; And if he is thirsty , give him water to drink ; 22 For you will heap burning coals on his head , And the Lord will reward you.
23 The north wind brings forth rain , And a backbiting tongue , an angry countenance .
24 It is better to live in a corner of the roof Than in a house shared with a contentious woman .
25 Like cold water to a weary soul , So is good news from a distant land .
26 Like a trampled spring and a polluted well Is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked .
27 It is not good to eat much honey , Nor is it glory to search out one's own glory .
28 Like a city that is broken into and without walls Is a man who has no control over his spirit .
261 Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest , So honor is not fitting for a fool .
2 Like a sparrow in its flitting , like a swallow in its flying , So a curse without cause does not alight .
3 A whip is for the horse , a bridle for the donkey , And a rod for the back of fools .
4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly , Or you will also be like him. 5 Answer a fool as his folly deserves, That he not be wise in his own eyes .
6 He cuts off his own feet and drinks violence Who sends a message by the hand of a fool . 7 Like the legs which are useless to the lame , So is a proverb in the mouth of fools . 8 Like one who binds a stone in a sling , So is he who gives honor to a fool . 9 Like a thorn which falls into the hand of a drunkard , So is a proverb in the mouth of fools .
10 Like an archer who wounds everyone , So is he who hires a fool or who hires those who pass by.
11 Like a dog that returns to its vomit Is a fool who repeats his folly .
12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes ? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
13 The sluggard says , "There is a lion in the road ! A lion is in the open square !"
14 As the door turns on its hinges , So does the sluggard on his bed .
15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish ; He is weary of bringing it to his mouth again .
16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can give a discreet answer .
17 Like one who takes a dog by the ears Is he who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him.
18 Like a madman who throws Firebrands , arrows and death , 19 So is the man who deceives his neighbor , And says , " Was I not joking ?"
20 For lack of wood the fire goes out, And where there is no whisperer , contention quiets down . 21 Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire , So is a contentious man to kindle strife . 22 The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels , And they go down into the innermost parts of the body .
23 Like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross Are burning lips and a wicked heart .
24 He who hates disguises it with his lips , But he lays up deceit in his heart . 25 When he speaks graciously , do not believe him, For there are seven abominations in his heart . 26 Though his hatred covers itself with guile , His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly .
27 He who digs a pit will fall into it, And he who rolls a stone , it will come back on him.
28 A lying tongue hates those it crushes , And a flattering mouth works ruin .
