1 These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing; But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
3 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4 Take away the dross from the silver, And there cometh forth a vessel for the refiner:
5 Take away the wicked `from' before the king, And his throne shall be established in righteousness.
6 Put not thyself forward in the presence of the king, And stand not in the place of great men:
7 For better is it that it be said unto thee, Come up hither, Than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince, Whom thine eyes have seen.
8 Go not forth hastily to strive, Lest `thou know not' what to do in the end thereof, When thy neighbor hath put thee to shame.
9 Debate thy cause with thy neighbor `himself', And disclose not the secret of another;
10 Lest he that heareth it revile thee, And thine infamy turn not away.