| 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. | Never abandon a friend— either yours or your father’s. When disaster strikes, you won’t have to ask your brother for assistance. It’s better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away. |
| The prudent man perceives danger and seeks shelter, while the simple continue forward and pay the penalty. | A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. |
| As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the wits of his neighbor. | As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. |
| Just as water reflects one’s face, so does one human heart reflect another. | As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person. |
| When anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayer is detestable. | God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law. |
| No one who conceals his transgressions will prosper, but one who confesses and renounces them will obtain mercy. | People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. |
| A fool gives free rein to his anger, but a wise man bides his time and calms it. | Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. |
| A man’s pride will bring him low, but lowly souls will rise to honor. | Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor. |
| The fear of others will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is secure. | Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety. |
| Every word of God has proved to be true; he is a shield to those who trust in him. | Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. |
| Keep falsehood and lying far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but simply provide me with the food that I need. | First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. |
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