1 These a also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:
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b It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,
But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
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As the heavens for height and the earth for depth,
So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
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c Take away the dross from silver,
And it will go to the silversmith for jewelry.
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Take away the wicked from before the king,
And his throne will be established in d righteousness.
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Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king,
And do not stand in the place of the great;
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e For it is better that he say to you,
"Come up here,"
Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince,
Whom your eyes have seen.
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f Do not go hastily to 1 court;
For what will you do in the end,
When your neighbor has put you to shame?
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g Debate your case with your neighbor,
And do not disclose the secret to another;
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Lest he who hears it expose your shame,
And 2 your reputation be ruined.
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A word fitly h spoken is like apples of gold
In settings of silver.
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Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.
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i Like the cold of snow in time of harvest
Is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
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j Whoever falsely boasts of giving
Is like
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l By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded,
And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.
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Have you found honey?
Eat only as much as you need,
Lest you be filled with it and vomit.
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Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house,
Lest he become weary of you and hate you.
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m A man who bears false witness against his neighbor
Is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.
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Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble
Is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.
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Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather,
And like vinegar on soda,
Is one who n sings songs to a heavy heart.
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o If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;
And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
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For so you will heap coals of fire on his head,
p And the LORD will reward you.
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The north wind brings forth rain,
And q a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.
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r It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop,
Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
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As cold water to a weary soul,
So is s good news from a far country.
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A righteous man who falters before the wicked
Is like a murky spring and a 3 polluted well.
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It is not good to eat much honey;
So t to seek one's own glory is not glory.
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u Whoever has no rule over his own spirit
Is like a city broken down, without walls.