Proverbs 25:4
Verse 4 of 28. The 25th of 31 chapters in Proverbs, in Poetry and Wisdom.
1These also are proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
2It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
3As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.
4Take away the dross from the silver, and material comes out for the refiner.
5Take away the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6Don’t exalt yourself in the presence of the king, or claim a place among great men;
7for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, whom your eyes have seen.
8Don’t be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?
World English Bible. Public domain. Set as prose throughout, including the poetry, because the text is published to us without its lines.