1. These are also mishlei Sh'lomo, which the anashim of Chizkiyah Melech Yehudah copied out:
2. It is the Kavod Elohim to conceal a thing, but the kavod melachim is to search out a matter.
3. The Shomayim for height, and Eretz for depth, so the lev melachim is unsearchable.
4. Take away the dross from the kesef, and there shall come forth a vessel for the tzoref (silversmith);
5. Take away the rasha from before Melech, and his kisse shall be established in tzedek.
6. Do not exalt thyself in the presence of Melech, and stand not in the makom (place) of gedolim;
7. For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up here, than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the noble whom thine eynayim have seen.
8. Go not forth hastily to bring a lawsuit, lest thou know not what to do in the acharit thereof, when thy re'a hath put thee to shame.
9. Plead thy cause with thy re'a himself; and betray not a sod (confidence) to another,
10. Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and the evil report of thee never depart.
11. A word aptly spoken is like tapukhim (apples) of zahav in settings of kesef.
12. As a nezem (earring) of zahav, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a mochi'ach chacham (a wise reprover) upon an obedient ozen.
13. As the cold of sheleg (snow) in the yom katzir (day of harvest), so is a tzir ne'eman (faithful envoy) to them that send him; for he refresheth the nefesh of his adonim.
14. He who boasteth falsely of giving is like clouds and ruach (wind) without geshem (rain).
15. By forbearance is a katzin (ruler) persuaded, and a gentle lashon breaketh the bone.
16. Hast thou found devash? Eat only as much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it out.
17. Let thy regel (foot) seldom be in thy neighbor's bais; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.