Proverbs 25:4
Take away the dross from the silver, And there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.
In context
1 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: But the honour of kings is to search out a matter. 3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, And the heart of kings is unsearchable. 4 Take away the dross from the silver, And there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. 5 Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne shall be established in righteousness. 6 Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, And stand not in the place of great men: 7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; Than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince Whom thine eyes have seen.
Compare in other versions
- NIV New International Version
— Proverbs 25:4 in the NIV
Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel;
- ESV English Standard Version
— Proverbs 25:4 in the ESV
Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel;