1Don’t brag about tomorrow, because you don’t know what a day might bring.
2Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth; a stranger, not your own lips.
3A stone is heavy, and sand is a burden, but the trouble caused by a fool is heavier than both.
4Anger is cruel, and fury is overwhelming, but who can stand against jealousy?
5Open criticism is better than hidden love.
6The wounds from a friend are trustworthy, even though an enemy's kisses are numerous.
7A person who is full hates honey, but to a hungry person, even bitter things taste sweet.
8Like a bird that leaves its nest, so is a person who leaves their home.
9Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; so does sincere advice from a friend.
10Don't abandon your friend or your father's friend. Don't go to your brother's house when you're in trouble; a neighbor who is nearby is better than a brother who is far away.
11Be wise, my son, and make my heart happy, so I can answer anyone who insults me.
12A smart person sees danger and finds a safe place; but foolish people keep going and suffer for it.
13Take the coat of anyone who guarantees a stranger's debt. Hold it as collateral for a wild woman!
14If someone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning, it will be considered a curse.
15A quarrelsome wife is like a constant drip on a rainy day:
16Stopping her is like trying to stop the wind, or trying to grasp oil with your right hand.
17Just as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens the character of another.
18Whoever cares for a fig tree will eat its fruit. Likewise, whoever looks after their master will be honored.
19Just as water reflects a face, so a person's heart reflects who they are.
20Death and destruction are never satisfied, and the desires of humans are never satisfied.
21Silver is tested in a crucible, and gold in a furnace, but a person is tested by the praise they receive.
22Even if you, with a pestle, grind a fool in a mortar along with grain, you still won't remove their foolishness.
23Make sure you know the condition of your flocks, and pay close attention to your herds,
24because riches don't last forever, and a crown doesn't stay on the head of every generation.
25The hay is gathered, new grass appears, and the plants on the hills are collected.
26The lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats can be traded for a field.
27There will be plenty of goat's milk for you and your family to eat, and for your female servants to be nourished.