Chapter Twenty-Seven

Do not boast about tomorrow, because you never know what the next day may bring.

Let someone else praise you and not your own mouth — a stranger, not your own lips.

A stone is heavy and sand is a burden, but heavier than both is the aggravation caused by a fool.

Fury is fierce and anger is like a flood, but who can put up with jealousy.

Better an open rebuke than hidden love.

Wounds from a faithful friend are better than abundant kisses from an enemy.

One with a full stomach will eschew a honeycomb, but to the hungry soul even what is bitter tastes sweet.

Like a bird that flies away from its nest is the man who wanders from his home.

Scented oil and incense gladdens the heart; equally sweet is the earnest counsel of one’s friend.

Do not desert your friends or the friends of your family or go away to a relative’s house when calamity strikes.  Better a neighbor nearby than a family member far away.

Be wise, my son, and bring my heart joy so that I can reply to anyone who taunts me.

A prudent person forsees danger and takes precautions, but the simple ignor it and are penalized for it.

Accept a man’s garment as collateral for a stranger’s debt; for a foreigner’s debt, take possession of it as security.

Loudly blessing a neighbor early in the morning is almost like a curse.

A nagging wife is just like the dripping of water from a leaky roof on a rainy day.  To restrain her nagging is like holding back the wind or grabbing something with an oily hand.

Iron sharpens iron and a man is sharpened by the face of his friend.

Whoever tends a fig tree will eat of its fruit; he that takes care of his master will be honored.

As the water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the man.

Death and destruction are never satisfied, nor are the eyes of man.

A crucible for silver, a furnace for gold, so a man is tested by the praise he receives.

Even if you grind a fool with a mortar and a pestle like grain, you cannot take the folly out of him.

Know well the condition of your flocks and pay attention to your herds, for wealth does not last forever and a crown may not be passed to the next generation.

When the hay is cut and  new growth appears, when grass from the hillside is harvested, the lambs will provide you with clothing.  With billy goats you can purchase a field.  And there will be enough milk from the nanny goats to provide for yourself, your family, and your servant girls.