Proverbs 25:4,5

Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer.

The finer - the melter; the goldsmith.

Take away the wicked (from) before the king. Bad ministers and counselors must be taken away from the king if his throne is to 'be established in righteousness;' just as the dross must he taken from the gold, if a pure and shining vessel is to come forth for the goldsmith. Impunity in evil turns the moral silver itself into dross ().