1 Do not brag about tomorrow,

because you do not know what another day may bring.

2 Praise should come from another person

and not from your own mouth,

from a stranger and not from your own lips.

3 A stone is heavy, and sand weighs a lot,

but annoyance caused by a stubborn fool is heavier than both.

4 Anger is cruel, and fury is overwhelming,

but who can survive jealousy?

5 Open criticism is better than unexpressed love.

6 Wounds made by a friend are intended to help,

but an enemy’s kisses are too much to bear.

7 One who is full despises honey,

but to one who is hungry,

even bitter food tastes sweet.

8 Like a bird wandering from its nest,

so is a husband wandering from his home.

9 Perfume and incense make the heart glad,

but the sweetness of a friend is a fragrant forest.*Or “is sincere advice.”

10 Do not abandon your friend or your father’s friend.

Do not go to a relative’s home when you are in trouble.

A neighbor living nearby is better than a relative far away.

11 Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad

so that I can answer anyone who criticizes me.

12 Sensible people foresee trouble and hide.

Gullible people go ahead ⌞and⌟ suffer.

13 Hold on to the garment of one who guarantees a stranger’s loan,

and hold responsible the person

who makes a loan in behalf of a foreigner.

14 Whoever blesses his friend early in the morning with a loud voice—

his blessing is considered a curse.

15 Constantly dripping water on a rainy day is like a quarreling woman.

16 Whoever can control her can control the wind.

He can even pick up olive oil with his right hand.

17 ⌞As⌟ iron sharpens iron,

so one person sharpens the wits of another.

18 Whoever takes care of a fig tree can eat its fruit,

and whoever protects his master is honored.

19 As a face is reflected in water,

so a person is reflected by his heart.

20 Hell and decay are never satisfied,

and a person’s eyes are never satisfied.

21 The crucible is for refining silver and the smelter for gold,

but a person ⌞is tested⌟ by the praise given to him.

22 If you crush a stubborn fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain,

⌞even then⌟ his stupidity will not leave him.

23 Be fully aware of the condition of your flock,

and pay close attention to your herds.

24 Wealth is not forever.

Nor does a crown last from one generation to the next.

25 ⌞When⌟ grass is cut short, the tender growth appears,

and vegetables are gathered on the hills.

26 Lambs ⌞will provide⌟ you with clothing,

and the money from the male goats will buy a field.

27 There will be enough goat milk to feed you,

to feed your family,

and to keep your servant girls alive.