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 and your father's friend, and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away. |
The prudent man perceives danger and seeks shelter, while the simple continue forward and pay the penalty. | The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go 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, and one man sharpens another. |
Just as water reflects one’s face, so does one human heart reflect another. | As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man. |
When anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayer is detestable. | If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination. |
No one who conceals his transgressions will prosper, but one who confesses and renounces them will obtain mercy. | Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. |
A fool gives free rein to his anger, but a wise man bides his time and calms it. | A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. |
A man’s pride will bring him low, but lowly souls will rise to honor. | One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. |
The fear of others will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is secure. | The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. |
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 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. | Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me. |