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. | Don’t forsake your friend and your father’s friend. Don’t go to your brother’s house in the day of your disaster. A neighbor who is near is better than a distant brother. |
The prudent man perceives danger and seeks shelter, while the simple continue forward and pay the penalty. | A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge; but the simple pass 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; so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance. |
Just as water reflects one’s face, so does one human heart reflect another. | Like water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man. |
When anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayer is detestable. | He who 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. | He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. |
A fool gives free rein to his anger, but a wise man bides his time and calms it. | A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control. |
A man’s pride will bring him low, but lowly souls will rise to honor. | A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor. |
The fear of others will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is secure. | The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh 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. | Remove far from me falsehood and lies. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food that is needful for me. |