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