A reading from the book of Proverbs.

These also are Proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah, King of Judah, copied.

It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out,

as the heavens for height and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable.

Take away the draughts from the silver, and the smith has unsearchable. Take away the dross from the silver, and the

smith has material for a vessel. Take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne

will be established in righteousness. Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence,

or stand in the place of the great, for it is better to be told come up here than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.

What your eyes have seen do not hastily bring it to court, for what will you do in the end

when your neighbor puts you to shame? Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal

another's secret, lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your ill repute have no end. A word

fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver, like a gold ring or an ornament of

gold, is a wise reprover to a listening ear. Like the cold of snow and the time of harvest is a faithful

messenger to those who send him. He refreshes the soul of his masters,

like clouds and wind without rain

is a man who boast of a gift he does not give.

With patience a ruler may be persuaded,

and a soft tongue will break a bone.

If you have found honey, eat only enough for you,

lest you have your fill of it and vomited.

Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house, lest he have your fill of it and vomited. Let your foot be seldom in your

neighbor's house, lest he have his fill of you and hate you. A man who bears false witness

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