1 These are also proverbs of Solomon which officials of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:
2 The glory of God conceals things, but the glory of kings searches out things.
3 As heaven is to height and the earth is to depth, so is the heart of kings—there is no searching.
4 Remove the dross from silver, and it will become a vessel for the smith.
5 Remove the wicked before a king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6 Do not promote yourself before the king, and in the place of the great ones do not stand.
7 For it is better that he say to you, “Ascend here,” than he humble you before a noble. What your eyes have seen,