1 Here are moreof Solomon's proverbs.They were copied by the officialsof King Hezekiah of Judah.
2 God is praisedfor being mysterious;rulers are praisedfor explaining mysteries.
3 Who can fully understandthe thoughts of a ruler?They reach beyond the skyand go deep in the earth.
4 Silver must be purifiedbefore it can be usedto make something of value.
5 Evil people must be removedbefore anyone can rulewith justice.
6 Don't try to seem importantin the court of a ruler.
7 It's better for the rulerto give you a high positionthan for you to be embarrassedin front of royal officials.Be sure you are right
8 before you sue someone,or you might lose your caseand be embarrassed.
9 When you and someone elsecan't get along,don't gossip about it.
10 Others will find out,and your reputationwill then be ruined.
11 The right wordat the right timeis like precious goldset in silver.
12 Listening to good adviceis worth much morethan jewellery made of gold.
13 A messenger you can trustis just as refreshingas cool water in summer.
14 Broken promisesare worse than rain cloudsthat don't bring rain.
15 Patience and gentle talkcan convince a rulerand overcome any problem.
16 Eating too much honeycan make you sick.
17 Don't visit friends too often,or they will get tired of itand start hating you.
18 Telling lies about friendsis like attacking themwith clubs and swordsand sharp arrows.
19 A friend you can't trustin times of troubleis like having a toothacheor a sore foot.
20 Singing to someonein deep sorrowis like pouring vinegarin an open cut.
21 If your enemies are hungry,give them something to eat.And if they are thirsty,give them somethingto drink.
22 This will be the sameas piling burning coalson their heads.And the Lordwill reward you.
23 As surely as rain blows infrom the north,anger is causedby cruel words.
24 It's better to stay outsideon the roof of your housethan to live insidewith a nagging wife.
25 Good news from far awayrefreshes like cold waterwhen you are thirsty.
26 When a good person gives into the wicked,it's like dumping rubbishin a stream of clear water.
27 Don't eat too much honeyor always want praise.
28 Losing self-controlleaves you as helplessas a city without a wall.