1. These are also proverbs of Solomon which officials of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:
2. The glory of God conceals things, but the glory of kings searches out things.
3. As heaven is to height and the earth is to depth, so is the heart of kings—there is no searching.
4. Remove the dross from silver, and it will become a vessel for the smith.
5. Remove the wicked before a king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6. Do not promote yourself before the king, and in the place of the great ones do not stand.
7. For it is better that he say to you, “Ascend here,” than he humble you before a noble. What your eyes have seen,