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 .
31 My son , do not forget my teaching , But let your heart keep my commandments ; 2 For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you. 3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck , Write them on the tablet of your heart . 4 So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man . 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding . 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight .
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes ; Fear the Lord and turn away from evil . 8 It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones . 9 Honor the Lord from your wealth And from the first of all your produce ; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine . 11 My son , do not reject the discipline of the Lord Or loathe His reproof , 12 For whom the Lord loves He reproves , Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights .
13 How blessed is the man who finds wisdom And the man who gains understanding . 14 For her profit is better than the profit of silver And her gain better than fine gold . 15 She is more precious than jewels ; And nothing e you desire compares with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand ; In her left hand are riches and honor . 17 Her ways are pleasant ways And all her paths are peace . 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who hold her fast . 19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth , By understanding He established the heavens . 20 By His knowledge the deeps were broken up And the skies drip with dew .
21 My son , let them not vanish from your sight ; Keep sound wisdom and discretion , 22 So they will be life to your soul And adornment to your neck . 23 Then you will walk in your way securely And your foot will not stumble . 24 When you lie down , you will not be afraid ; When you lie down , your sleep will be sweet . 25 Do not be afraid of sudden fear Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes ; 26 For the Lord will be your confidence And will keep your foot from being caught .
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due , When it is in your power to do it. 28 Do not say to your neighbor , "Go , and come back , And tomorrow I will give it," When you have it with you. 29 Do not devise harm against your neighbor , While he lives securely beside you. 30 Do not contend with a man without cause , If he has done you no harm . 31 Do not envy a man of violence And do not choose any of his ways . 32 For the devious are an abomination to the Lord ; But He is intimate with the upright . 33 The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked , But He blesses the dwelling of the righteous . 34 Though He scoffs at the scoffers , Yet He gives grace to the afflicted . 35 The wise will inherit honor , But fools display dishonor .
