1 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.

2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.

3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable. 4 I

4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. 3 I

5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness.

6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men:

7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.

8 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame. 3 I

9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: 12 I

10 Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away. 2 I

11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. 25 I

12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. 2 I

13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters. 3 I

14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain. 3 I

15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone. 2 I

16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it. 2 I

17 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee. 5 I

18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow. 5 I

19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint. 3 I

20 As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.

21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: 26 I

22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee. 26 I

23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. 10 I

24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. 10 I

26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain, and a corrupt spring. 2 I

27 It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory. 2 I

28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. 23 I

1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool. 4 I

2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come. 2 I

3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.

4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. 2 I

5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

6 He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.

7 The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

8 As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.

9 As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouths of fools.

10 The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. 2 I

12 Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

13 The slothful man saith, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets. 2 I

14 As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed. 2 I

15 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth. 2 I

16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason. 2 I

17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,

19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. 2 I

21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. 4 I

23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.

24 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

25 When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.

27 Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.

28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin. 2 I