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. | 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. |
A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; The simple pass on and are punished. | The prudent man perceives danger and seeks shelter, while the simple continue forward and pay the penalty. |
|
As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. | As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the wits of his neighbor. |
As in water face reflects face, So a man’s heart reveals the man. | Just as water reflects one’s face, so does one human heart reflect another. |