| 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 or a friend of your family, and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you— better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away. |
| The prudent man perceives danger and seeks shelter, while the simple continue forward and pay the penalty. | The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. |
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| As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the wits of his neighbor. | As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. |
| Just as water reflects one’s face, so does one human heart reflect another. | As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. |
| When anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayer is detestable. | If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable. |
| No one who conceals his transgressions will prosper, but one who confesses and renounces them will obtain mercy. | Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. |
| A fool gives free rein to his anger, but a wise man bides his time and calms it. | Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. |
| A man’s pride will bring him low, but lowly souls will rise to honor. | Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor. |
| The fear of others will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is secure. | Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. |
| Every word of God has proved to be true; he is a shield to those who trust in him. | Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. |
| Keep falsehood and lying far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but simply provide me with the food that I need. | Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. |
