1. THESE ARE also the proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied: [I Kings 4:32.]
2. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a thing. [Deut. 29:29; Rom. 11:33.]
3. As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, so the hearts and minds of kings are unsearchable.
4. Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth [the material for] a vessel for the silversmith [to work up]. [II Tim. 2:21.]
5. Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation).
6. Be not forward (self-assertive and boastfully ambitious) in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men;
7. For better it is that it should be said to you, Come up here, than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whose eyes have seen you. [Luke 14:8-10.]
8. Rush not forth soon to quarrel [before magistrates or elsewhere], lest you know not what to do in the end when your neighbor has put you to shame. [Prov. 17:14; Matt. 5:25.]
9. Argue your cause with your neighbor himself; discover not and disclose not another's secret, [Matt. 18:15.]
10. Lest he who hears you revile you and bring shame upon you and your ill repute have no end.
11. A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver. [Prov. 15:23; Isa. 50:4.]
12. Like an earring or nose ring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to an ear that listens and obeys.
13. Like the cold of snow [brought from the mountains] in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the life of his masters.
14. Whoever falsely boasts of gifts [he does not give] is like clouds and wind without rain. [Jude 12.]
15. By long forbearance and calmness of spirit a judge or ruler is persuaded, and soft speech breaks down the most bonelike resistance. [Gen. 32:4; I Sam. 25:24; Prov. 15:1; 16:14.]
16. Have you found [pleasure sweet like] honey? Eat only as much as is sufficient for you, lest, being filled with it, you vomit it.
17. Let your foot seldom be in your neighbor's house, lest he become tired of you and hate you.
18. A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a heavy sledgehammer and a sword and a sharp arrow.
19. Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint.