1. There are also these proverbs of Solomon,collected by scribes of Hezekiah, king of Judah.
2. God delights in concealing things;scientists delight in discovering things.
3. Like the horizons for breadth and the ocean for depth,the understanding of a good leader is broad and deep.
4-5. Remove impurities from the silverand the silversmith can craft a fine chalice;Remove the wicked from leadershipand authority will be credible and God-honoring.
6-7. Don’t work yourself into the spotlight;don’t push your way into the place of prominence.It’s better to be promoted to a place of honorthan face humiliation by being demoted.
8. Don’t jump to conclusions—there may bea perfectly good explanation for what you just saw.
9-10. In the heat of an argument,don’t betray confidences;Word is sure to get around,and no one will trust you.
11-12. The right word at the right timeis like a custom-made piece of jewelry,And a wise friend’s timely reprimandis like a gold ring slipped on your finger.
13. Reliable friends who do what they sayare like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing!