Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. | Pleasing words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and affording health to the body. |
A perverse person spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends. | A perverse man sows strife, and a tale-bearer destroys close friendships. |
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One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and one whose temper is controlled than one who captures a city. | It is better to be a patient man rather than a warrior, one who controls his temper rather than one who captures a city. |
Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their parents. | Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their parents. |
Fine speech is not becoming to a fool; still less is false speech to a ruler. | Fine words are not becoming to a fool, and much less are false words to a noble. |
One who forgives an affront fosters friendship, but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend. | One who forgives a misdeed fosters friendship, but he who divulges it separates good friends. |
A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity. | A true friend is one at all times, and a brother is born to render help in time of need. |
A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones. | A cheerful heart is excellent medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. |
Even fools who keep silent are considered wise; when they close their lips, they are deemed intelligent. | Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; if he closes his lips, he is regarded as intelligent. |
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing personal opinion. | A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only delights in expressing his own opinions. |
A fool's lips bring strife, and a fool's mouth invites a flogging. | The lips of a fool cause strife, and his mouth provokes a flogging. |
The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body. | The whispers of a gossiper are tasty morsels that corrode one’s inner being. |
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe. | The name of the Lord is a tower of strength; the upright man runs to it and finds refuge. |
The wealth of the rich is their strong city; in their imagination it is like a high wall. | The wealth of a rich man is his stronghold; he regards it as a high wall that cannot be scaled. |
Before destruction one's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor. | A man is haughty until disaster overtakes him, but humility comes before honors. |
A gift opens doors; it gives access to the great. | A gift opens doors for the giver and wins him access to the powerful. |
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. | The tongue has the power over life and death; those who cherish it will enjoy its fruits. |
He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord. | One who finds a wife finds happiness and receives favor from the Lord. |
Some friends play at friendship but a true friend sticks closer than one's nearest kin. | Some friends can lead us to ruin, but a true friend is closer than a brother. |
To get wisdom is to love oneself; to keep understanding is to prosper. | Whoever gains wisdom loves his own soul; one who cherishes understanding will prosper. |
House and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord. | A house and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is a gift from the Lord. |
Those who keep the commandment will live; those who are heedless of their ways will die. | Whoever observes the commandments will live, but the one who scorns them will die. |
The human mind may devise many plans, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established. | Many are the plans in a human mind, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will prevail. |
What is desirable in a person is loyalty, and it is better to be poor than a liar. | A man’s attraction is his kindness; it is far better to be poor than to be a liar. |
It is honorable to refrain from strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. | It is honorable to avoid strife, but every fool is quarrelsome. |