Study Desk

More Proverbs of Solomon

These are more proverbs^(a) of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:^(b)

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.^(c)

As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.

Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel;

remove wicked officials from the king's presence,^(d) and his throne will be established^(e) through righteousness.^(f)

Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence, and do not claim a place among his great men;

it is better for him to say to you, "Come up here,"^(g) than for him to humiliate you before his nobles. What you have seen with your eyes

do not bring^[a] hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame?^(h)

If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another's confidence,

or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand.

Like apples^[b] of gold in settings of silver⁽ⁱ⁾ is a ruling rightly given.

Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.^(j)

Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master.^(k)

Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given.

Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,^(l) and a gentle tongue can break a bone.^(m)

If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit.⁽ⁿ⁾

Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house— too much of you, and they will hate you.

Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.^(o)

Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.

Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals^(p) on his head, and the Lord will reward you.^(q)

Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain is a sly tongue—which provokes a horrified look.

Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.^(r)

Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.^(s)

Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.

It is not good to eat too much honey,^(t) nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.^(u)

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

Like snow in summer or rain^(a) in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool.^(b)

Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.^(c)

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,^(d) and a rod for the backs of fools!^(e)

Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.^(f)

Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.^(g)

Sending a message by the hands of a fool^(h) is like cutting off one's feet or drinking poison.

Like the useless legs of one who is lame is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.⁽ⁱ⁾

Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool.^(j)

Like a thornbush in a drunkard's hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.^(k)

Like an archer who wounds at random is one who hires a fool or any passer-by.

As a dog returns to its vomit,^(l) so fools repeat their folly.^(m)

Do you see a person wise in their own eyes?⁽ⁿ⁾ There is more hope for a fool than for them.^(o)

A sluggard says,^(p) "There's a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!"^(q)

As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed.^(r)

A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.^(s)

A sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven people who answer discreetly.

Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.

Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death

is one who deceives their neighbor and says, "I was only joking!"

Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.^(t)

As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.^(u)

The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.^(v)

Like a coating of silver dross on earthenware are fervent^[a] lips with an evil heart.

Enemies disguise themselves with their lips,^(w) but in their hearts they harbor deceit.^(x)

Though their speech is charming,^(y) do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts.^(z)

Their malice may be concealed by deception, but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

Whoever digs a pit^(aa) will fall into it;^(ab) if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.^(ac)

A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth^(ad) works ruin.