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[1] These are also parables of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
[2] The glory of God is to conceal a thing secret: but the king's honor is to search out a thing.
[3] The heaven's in height, and the earth in deepness, and the king's heart can no man search out.
[4] Take the dross from the silver, and there shall proceed a vessel for the finer.
[5] Take away the wicked from the king, and his throne shall be stablished in righteousness.
[6] Boast not thyself before the king, and stand not in the place of great men.
[7] For it is better, that it be said unto thee, Come up hither, then thou to be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.
[8] Go not forth hastily to strife, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbor hath put thee to shame.
[9] Debate thy matter with thy neighbor, and discover not the secret to another,
[10] Lest he that heareth it, put thee to shame, and thine infamy do not cease.
[11] A word spoken in his place, is like apples of gold with pictures of silver.
[12] He that reproveth the wise, and the obedient ear, is as a golden earring and an ornament of fine gold.
[13] As the cold of the snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
[14] A man that boasteth of false liberality, is like clouds and wind without rain.
[15] A prince is pacified by staying of anger, and a soft tongue breaketh the bones.
[16] If thou have found honey, eat that is sufficient for thee, lest thou be overfull, and vomit it.
[17] Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbor's house, lest he be weary of thee, and hate thee.
[18] A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor, is like an hammer and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
[19] Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble, is like a broken tooth and a sliding foot.
[20] He that taketh away the garment in the cold season, is like vinegar poured upon nitre, or like him that singeth songs to an heavy heart.
[21] If he that hateth thee be hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink.
[22] For thou shalt lay coals upon his head, and the Lord shall recompense thee.
[23] As the north wind driveth away the rain, so doth an angry countenance the slandering tongue.
[24] It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a contentious woman in a wide house.
[25] As are the cold waters to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country.
[26] A righteous man falling down before the wicked, is like a troubled well, and a corrupt spring.
[27] It is not good to eat much honey: so to search their own glory is not glory.
[28] A man that refraineth not his appetite, is like a city which is broken down and without walls.
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