26 Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,so honor is not fitting for a fool.2  Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying,a curse that is causeless does not alight.3  A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,and a rod for the back of fools.

25 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied.2  It is the glory of God to conceal things,but the glory of kings is to search things out.3  As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,so the heart of kings is unsearchable.

23 These also are sayings of the wise.Partiality in judging is not good.24  Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,”will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,25  but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,

Be not envious of evil men,nor desire to be with them,2  for their hearts devise violence,and their lips talk of trouble.

23 When you sit down to eat with a ruler,observe carefully what is before you,2  and put a knife to your throatif you are given to appetite.3  Do not desire his delicacies,for they are deceptive food.

22 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,and favor is better than silver or gold.2  The rich and the poor meet together;the Lord is the Maker of them all.

21 The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord;he turns it wherever he will.2  Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,but the Lord weighs the heart.

20 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.2  The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion;whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.