for you do not know what a day may bring.
an outsider, and not your own lips.
but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.
but who can stand before jealousy?
than hidden love.
but an enemy multiplies kisses.
but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.
is anyone who flees from home.
and the pleasantness of a friend
springs from their heartfelt advice.
and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you—
better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.
then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.
but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.
it will be taken as a curse.
of a leaky roof in a rainstorm;
16 restraining her is like restraining the wind
or grasping oil with the hand.
so one person sharpens another.
and whoever protects their master will be honored.
so one’s life reflects the heart.[a]
and neither are human eyes.
but people are tested by their praise.
grinding them like grain with a pestle,
you will not remove their folly from them.
give careful attention to your herds;
24 for riches do not endure forever,
and a crown is not secure for all generations.
25 When the hay is removed and new growth appears
and the grass from the hills is gathered in,
26 the lambs will provide you with clothing,
and the goats with the price of a field.
27 You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed your family
and to nourish your female servants.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 27:19 Or so others reflect your heart back to you
- Proverbs 27:20 Hebrew Abaddon