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. | Don’t forsake your friend and your father’s friend. Don’t go to your brother’s house in the day of your disaster. A neighbor who is near is better than a distant brother. |
The prudent man perceives danger and seeks shelter, while the simple continue forward and pay the penalty. | A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge; but the simple pass 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; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance. |
Just as water reflects one’s face, so does one human heart reflect another. | Like water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man. |