Do not forsake your friend or the friend of your father, and do not run to your brother’s house when troubles befall you; far better is a friend nearby than a brother who is far away. | Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend, and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away. |
The prudent man perceives danger and seeks shelter, while the simple continue forward and pay the penalty. | The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. |
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As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the wits of his neighbor. | Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. |
Just as water reflects one’s face, so does one human heart reflect another. | As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man. |