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Further Wise Sayings of Solomon

25These are other proverbs of Solomon that the officials of King Hezekiah of Judah copied.

² It is the glory of God to conceal things,
   but the glory of kings is to search things out.
³ Like the heavens for height, like the earth for depth,
   so the mind of kings is unsearchable.
⁴ Take away the dross from the silver,
   and the smith has material for a vessel;
⁵ take away the wicked from the presence of the king,
   and his throne will be established in righteousness.
⁶ Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence
   or stand in the place of the great;
⁷ for it is better to be told, ‘Come up here’,
   than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.

What your eyes have seen
⁸   do not hastily bring into court;
for^* what will you do in the end,
   when your neighbour puts you to shame?
⁹ Argue your case with your neighbour directly,
   and do not disclose another’s secret;
¹⁰ or else someone who hears you will bring shame upon you,
   and your ill repute will have no end.

¹¹ A word fitly spoken
   is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
¹² Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold
   is a wise rebuke to a listening ear.
¹³ Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest
   are faithful messengers to those who send them;
   they refresh the spirit of their masters.
¹⁴ Like clouds and wind without rain
   is one who boasts of a gift never given.