1 Here are more
of Solomon’s proverbs.
They were copied by the officials
of King Hezekiah
of Judah.
2 God is praised
for being mysterious;
rulers are praised
for explaining
mysteries.
3 Who can fully understand
the thoughts of
a ruler?
They reach beyond the sky
and go deep in
the earth.
4 Silver must be purified
before it can be used
to make something
of value.
5 Evil people must be removed
before anyone can rule
with justice.
6 Don’t try to seem important
in the court of
a ruler.
7 It’s better for the ruler
to give you a
high position
than for you to be embarrassed
in front of royal
officials.
Be sure you are right
8 before you sue someone,
or you might lose your case
and be embarrassed.
9 When you and someone else
can’t get along,
don’t gossip
about it.
10 Others will find out,
and your reputation
will then be ruined.
11 The right word
at the right time
is like precious gold
set in silver.
12 Listening to good advice
is worth much more
than jewelry made of gold.
13 A messenger you can trust
is just as refreshing
as cool water in summer.
14 Broken promises
are worse than rain clouds
that don’t bring rain.
15 Patience and gentle talk
can convince a ruler
and overcome any problem.
16 Eating too much honey
can make you sick.
17 Don’t visit friends too often,
or they will get tired of it
and start hating
you.
18 Telling lies about friends
is like attacking
them
with clubs and swords
and sharp arrows.
19 A friend you can’t trust
in times of trouble
is like having a toothache
or a sore foot.
20 Singing to someone
in deep sorrow
is like pouring vinegar
in an open cut.
21 If your enemies are hungry,
give them something
to eat.
And if they are thirsty,
give them something
to drink.
22 This will be the same
as piling burning coals
on their heads.
And the Lord
will reward you.
23 As surely as rain blows in
from the
north,
anger is caused
by cruel words.
24 It’s better to stay outside
on the roof of
your house
than to live inside
with a nagging
wife.
25 Good news from far away
refreshes like cold water
when you are thirsty.
26 When a good person gives in
to the wicked,
it’s like dumping garbage
in a stream of
clear water.
27 Don’t eat too much honey
or always want
praise.
28 Losing self-control
leaves you as helpless
as a city without
a wall.