Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend, Nor go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother 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. |
A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; The simple pass on and are punished. | 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 countenance of his friend. | As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. |
As in water face reflects face, So a man’s heart reveals the man. | As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person. |
One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination. | God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law. |
He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. | People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. |
A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back. | Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. |
A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor. | Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor. |
The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. | Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety. |
Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. | Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. |
Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches— Feed me with the food allotted to me. | First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. |