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 own friend or your father’s friend, Nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. |
The prudent man perceives danger and seeks shelter, while the simple continue forward and pay the penalty. | A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; The simple pass on and are punished. |
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As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the wits of his neighbor. | As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. |
Just as water reflects one’s face, so does one human heart reflect another. | As in water face reflects face, So a man’s heart reveals the man. |