These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.
Take away the dross from silver and it will go to the silversmith for jewelry. Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness. (Taking the bad away allows for refining a life.)
Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of the great; for it is better that he say to you, "Come up here," than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince whom your eyes have seen. (Promotion is good; demotion is not. Earn your promotions honorably.)
Do not go hastily in to court; for what will you do in the end when your neighbor has put you to shame? (Make sure you have no fault before you call out someone.)
Debate your case with your neighbor and do not disclose the secret to another; lest he who hears it expose our shame and your reputation will be ruined. (Don't mouth off about your disputes with another to someone else. No one will trust you.)
A word fitly spoken is like the apples of gold in settings of silver. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuke to an obedient ear. (Sometimes good timing with your advice is key to communication. Taking the good advise is like fine jewelry.)
Like the cold of snow in time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters. (Keep your word.)
Whoever falsely boasts of giving is like clouds and wind without rain. (Worthless.)
By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded and a gently tongue breaks a weak bone. (Gently spoken words can get you further when someone is resistant to what you are saying.)
Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need lest you be filled with it and vomit. (Don't over eat. I explain as I am smashing some Cheez-Its.)
Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house, lest he become weary of you and hate you. (Don't wear out your welcome.)
A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, and sharp arrow.
Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is a bad tooth and a foot out of joint. (Be careful who you trust.)
Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather and like vinegar on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
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This verse is so very often taken out of context. I'm sure you have heard, "kill them with kindness." No, no, no. Erase that from your memory and reprogram.We are to have the attitude of Christ. As Christians, getting revenge is not our job. By being kind and loving with the love of Jesus, your enemies could realize their wrongdoing. They may actually become your friend, one day. Forgiveness is powerful. It is a beautiful gift from God. Jesus could have acted in anger all throughout his ministry. He was despised, spit upon, and crucified. Romans 12:17-21. We are to live at peace with others as much as it depends on us. So, don't kill them with kindness. Show them love.
The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue an angry countenance. (A gossip causes trouble.)
It is better to dwell in a corner of a housetop than in a house shared with a contentious woman. (Girls, don't nag.)
As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country. (It is refreshing to hear good news and not complaints.)
A righteous man who falters before the wicked is like a murky spring and a polluted well. (Don't be weak and give in to temptation from others.)
It is not good to eat much honey; so to seek one's own glory is not glory. (Don't be cocky and boastful about your accomplishments.)
Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down without walls. (Have self-control.)
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