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!
14. Like billowing clouds that bring no rainis the person who talks big but never produces.
15. Patient persistence pierces through indifference;gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses.
16-17. When you’re given a box of candy, don’t gulp it all down;eat too much chocolate and you’ll make yourself sick;And when you find a friend, don’t outwear your welcome;show up at all hours and he’ll soon get fed up.
18. Anyone who tells lies against the neighborsin court or on the street is a loose cannon.
19. Trusting a double-crosser when you’re in troubleis like biting down on an abscessed tooth.