More Proverbs of Solomon

God glories in concealing,
What king's are searching out,
Only in their revealing,
Do kings their glory shout

As the heavens are soaring,
And the earth is deep,
So king's hearts go seeking,
And not find where they keep

Remove the dross from silver,
And smiths can make a cup,
Take out the bad advisors,
And kings' thrones will look up

When you're in the throne room,
And for the king you wait,
Don't big-up your standing,
Or say that you are great

Better if he calls you,
And says, 'Please do come,'
Than for him to mock you,
For things you've really done

Don't rush to prosecution,
Or take someone to court,
If your neighbour's shamed you,
Not saying what he ought

If you want to sue them,
Don't say what you've been told,
A confidence once broken,
Means charges never hold

Like a golden apple,
Set in silverware,
Are verdicts and all rulings,
Which are given fair

Like a golden earring,
Is a judge that's wise,
An ear that seeks to listen,
Hears truth and not the lies

Like icy drinks at harvest,
A trusty messenger,
Revives the one who sends him,
Making his spirit stir

Like clouds and swirling vapours,
When there's no rain at all,
Is one who brags and boasts of,
The gifts he cannot call

Through patience can a ruler,
Conclude his thoughts alone,
Gentle tongues can tackle,
The hardest, toughest bone

If you find some honey,
Best to eat just some,
If you take more mouthfuls,
Then will sickness come

Seldom set your foot in,
A neighbour's house to stay,
If they see you too much,
Their love will go away

Like a bat or sharp knife,
Or a throwing dart,
Is a man who tells lies,
Against his neighbour's part

Like a tooth that's broken,
Or a foot that's weak,
You can't rely on pagans,
When it's help you seek

Like one who doffs a jumper,
By a wintry sea,
Or vinegar that's stinging,
On a wounded knee,

Is one who makes a carol,
Of happy Christmas songs,
To one who's feeling lonely,
And no place does belong

If your foe is hungry,
Give him food to eat,
If he's feeling thirsty,
Water to him treat

By doing all that's mentioned,
You heap on burning coals,
To his head and body,
And God will boost your goals

Like a north wind blowing,
Brining sudden rain,
Is the tongue of slyness,
Which gives the look of pain

Best to live on corners,
Of roofs than share a house,
With a wife who quarrels,
And is a horrid spouse.

Proverbs 25:1-28

---