Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance. | As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the wits of his neighbor. |
Who can find a worthy woman? For her value is far above rubies. | Who can find a worthy wife? She is far more precious than pearls. |
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Happy is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gets understanding. | Blessed is the person who has found wisdom, the one who has gained understanding. |
A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity. | A true friend is one at all times, and a brother is born to render help in time of need. |
A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. | A gift opens doors for the giver and wins him access to the powerful. |
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. | A gentle reply turns away wrath, but a harsh word arouses anger. |
When pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom. | When pride is nurtured, disgrace soon follows, but wisdom is the hallmark of the humble. |
A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor. | A man’s pride will bring him low, but lowly souls will rise to honor. |
The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender. | The wealthy man lords it over the poor, and the borrower becomes the slave of the lender. |
For whoever finds me finds life, and will obtain favor from Yahweh. | For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. |
A truthful witness will not lie, but a false witness pours out lies. | A truthful witness does not lie, but a false witness lies incessantly. |
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. | Righteousness is a sign of a nation’s greatness, but sin degrades any people. |
My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad, even mine. | My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad. |
Let your eyes look straight ahead. Fix your gaze directly before you. | Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze on what lies before you. |
A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends. | A perverse man sows strife, and a tale-bearer destroys close friendships. |
Make the path of your feet level. Let all of your ways be established. | Ensure that the path you tread is level, and then your ways will be sure. |
Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of Yahweh. | One who finds a wife finds happiness and receives favor from the Lord. |
He who hides hatred has lying lips. He who utters a slander is a fool. | Lying lips conceal hatred, and anyone who slanders another is a fool. |
A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit. | A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but an undisciplined tongue crushes the spirit. |
Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is with people who take advice. | An ignorant man causes strife by his insolence, but wisdom is found with those who take advice. |
Put away from yourself a perverse mouth. Put corrupt lips far from you. | Turn away from the mouth that deceives and keep your distance from lips that mislead. |
The wise in heart accept commandments, but a chattering fool will fall. | A wise man will heed commandments, but a babbling fool will come to grief. |
The ransom of a man’s life is his riches, but the poor hear no threats. | A wealthy man pays a ransom to save his life; a poor man never has to worry about such threats. |
Yahweh’s name is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe. | The name of the Lord is a tower of strength; the upright man runs to it and finds refuge. |
The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh is wealth, honor, and life. | The reward of humility and fear of the Lord is wealth, honor, and life. |