Proverbs

³As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, so the hearts and minds of kings are unsearchable. ⁴Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth [the material for] a vessel for the silversmith [to work up]. [II Tim. 2:21.] ⁵Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation). ⁶Be not forward (self-assertive and boastfully ambitious) in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men; ⁷For better it is that it should be said to you, Come up here, than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whose eyes have seen you. [Luke 14:8-10.] ⁸Rush not forth soon to quarrel [before magistrates or elsewhere], lest you know not what to do in the end when your neighbor has put you to shame. [Prov. 17:14; Matt. 5:25.] ⁹Argue your cause with your neighbor himself; discover not and disclose not another's secret, [Matt. 18:15.]