Proverbs 27
Don't boast of tomorrow and what you will do,
for you do not know what today will bring you.
Let others, and not your mouth, give yourself praise,
let strangers, and not your lips, honor your ways.
A stone is quite heavy and sand's weighty, too,
but trouble a fool makes weighs more than both do.
Man's anger is cruel and his wrath is a flood,
but how can the jealous be ever withstood?
An open rebuke is far better revealed,
than love that is hidden with passion concealed.
The wounds of a friend who is faithful and just,
are better than kisses your enemies thrust.
The one who is full loathes more honey to eat,
but hungry ones even find bitter things sweet.
Just like a bird far from its nest tends to roam,
is someone who wanders and strays from his home.
Perfume makes the heart glad with incense and spice,
like sweetness of friendship and heartfelt advice.
Forsake not your friend nor a close family friend,
go not to your brother when troubles descend.
Tis better a neighbor go without delay
than having a brother who lives far away.
Be wise, oh my son, and bring joy to my heart,
so I can reply when the reprimands start.
The prudent see danger, take cover and hide,
the simple are punished for not having tried.
Remove from his shoulders the garment he's worn
who guarantees debt for a stranger and sworn;
and hold a deposit for those foreign-born.
If blessing one's neighbor has loudly been said
so early, at daybreak, that's roused him from bed;
that blessing will count as a cursing instead.
A quarrelsome wife who just loves to complain
is like the continual dripping of rain.
To keep her in check is like holding the wind,
or picking up oil with slippery skin.
As iron keeps iron sharp, time and again,
so, friendships drive men to be much sharper men.
Those tending a fig tree will eat what is raised,
those guarding their master will one day be praised.
In water, a face in reflection looks back,
so, likewise, a heart shows man's goodness or lack.
As Death and Destruction are not satisfied,
the eyes of a man never will be denied.
A cauldron for silver, a furnace for gold,
men tested by praises that others extolled.
Though pounding a fool in a mortar like grain,
his folly will never depart, but remain.
Know well the condition of your flocks of sheep,
and pay close attention to herds that you keep;
the riches of man can't forever endure,
through all generations, a crown's not secure.
When hay is removed and the new growth has greened,
and grasses and herbs of the mountains are gleaned,
the lambs will provide you with wool for your coats,
you'll purchase a field from the price of your goats.
And there will be plenty of goat's milk for you,
your family and household and maidservants, too.
for you do not know what today will bring you.
Let others, and not your mouth, give yourself praise,
let strangers, and not your lips, honor your ways.
A stone is quite heavy and sand's weighty, too,
but trouble a fool makes weighs more than both do.
Man's anger is cruel and his wrath is a flood,
but how can the jealous be ever withstood?
An open rebuke is far better revealed,
than love that is hidden with passion concealed.
The wounds of a friend who is faithful and just,
are better than kisses your enemies thrust.
The one who is full loathes more honey to eat,
but hungry ones even find bitter things sweet.
Just like a bird far from its nest tends to roam,
is someone who wanders and strays from his home.
Perfume makes the heart glad with incense and spice,
like sweetness of friendship and heartfelt advice.
Forsake not your friend nor a close family friend,
go not to your brother when troubles descend.
Tis better a neighbor go without delay
than having a brother who lives far away.
Be wise, oh my son, and bring joy to my heart,
so I can reply when the reprimands start.
The prudent see danger, take cover and hide,
the simple are punished for not having tried.
Remove from his shoulders the garment he's worn
who guarantees debt for a stranger and sworn;
and hold a deposit for those foreign-born.
If blessing one's neighbor has loudly been said
so early, at daybreak, that's roused him from bed;
that blessing will count as a cursing instead.
A quarrelsome wife who just loves to complain
is like the continual dripping of rain.
To keep her in check is like holding the wind,
or picking up oil with slippery skin.
As iron keeps iron sharp, time and again,
so, friendships drive men to be much sharper men.
Those tending a fig tree will eat what is raised,
those guarding their master will one day be praised.
In water, a face in reflection looks back,
so, likewise, a heart shows man's goodness or lack.
As Death and Destruction are not satisfied,
the eyes of a man never will be denied.
A cauldron for silver, a furnace for gold,
men tested by praises that others extolled.
Though pounding a fool in a mortar like grain,
his folly will never depart, but remain.
Know well the condition of your flocks of sheep,
and pay close attention to herds that you keep;
the riches of man can't forever endure,
through all generations, a crown's not secure.
When hay is removed and the new growth has greened,
and grasses and herbs of the mountains are gleaned,
the lambs will provide you with wool for your coats,
you'll purchase a field from the price of your goats.
And there will be plenty of goat's milk for you,
your family and household and maidservants, too.
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