1: There are also these proverbs of Solomon, collected by scribes of Hezekiah, king of Judah.
2: God delights in concealing things; scientists delight in discovering things.
3: Like the horizons for breadth and the ocean for depth, the understanding of a good leader is broad and deep.
4: Remove impurities from the silver and the silversmith can craft a fine chalice;
5: Remove the wicked from leadership and authority will be credible and God-honoring.
6: Don't work yourself into the spotlight; don't push your way into the place of prominence.
7: It's better to be promoted to a place of honor than face humiliation by being demoted.
8: Don't jump to conclusions--there may be a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw.
9: In the heat of an argument, don't betray confidences;
10: Word is sure to get around, and no one will trust you.
11: The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry,
12: And a wise friend's timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.
13: Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat--refreshing!
14: Like billowing clouds that bring no rain is the person who talks big but never produces.
15: Patient persistence pierces through indifference; gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses.
16: When you're given a box of candy, don't gulp it all down; eat too much chocolate and you'll make yourself sick;
17: And when you find a friend, don't outwear your welcome; show up at all hours and he'll soon get fed up.
18: Anyone who tells lies against the neighbors in court or on the street is a loose cannon.
19: Trusting a double-crosser when you're in trouble is like biting down on an abscessed tooth.
20: Singing light songs to the heavyhearted is like pouring salt in their wounds.
21: If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch; if he's thirsty, bring him a drink.
22: Your generosity will surprise him with goodness, and GOD will look after you.
23: A north wind brings stormy weather, and a gossipy tongue stormy looks.
24: Better to live alone in a tumbledown shack than share a mansion with a nagging spouse.
25: Like a cool drink of water when you're worn out and weary is a letter from a long-lost friend.
26: A good person who gives in to a bad person is a muddied spring, a polluted well.
27: It's not smart to stuff yourself with sweets, nor is glory piled on glory good for you.
28: A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out.