1Boast not thyself of to-morrow; For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth . 2Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth ; A stranger , and not thine own lips . 3A stone is heavy , and the sand weighty ; But a fool’s vexation is heavier than they both . 4Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; But who is able to stand before jealousy ? 5Better is open rebuke Than love that is hidden . 6Faithful are the wounds of a friend; But the kisses of an enemy are profuse.
The Dangers of Pride and Self-Sufficiency
7The full soul loatheth a honeycomb ; But to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet . 8As a bird that wandereth from her nest , So is a man that wandereth from his place . 9Oil and perfume rejoice the heart ; So doth the sweetness of a man ’s friend that cometh of hearty counsel . 10Thine own friend , and thy father’s friend , forsake not; And go not to thy brother ’s house in the day of thy calamity : Better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off . 11My son , be wise , and make my heart glad , That I may answer him that reproacheth me . 12A prudent man seeth the evil , and hideth himself; But the simple pass on , and suffer for it .
The Importance of Wisdom and Discernment
13Take his garment that is surety for a stranger ; And hold him in pledge that is surety for a foreign woman . 14He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice , rising early in the morning , It shall be counted a curse to him . 15A continual dropping in a very rainy day And a contentious woman are alike : 16He that would restrain her restraineth the wind ; And his right hand encountereth oil . 17Iron sharpeneth iron ; So a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend . 18Whoso keepeth the fig-tree shall eat the fruit thereof ; And he that regardeth his master shall be honored . 19As in water face answereth to face , So the heart of man to man . 20Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied ; And the eyes of man are never satisfied .
The Necessity of Care and Provision
21The refining pot is for silver , and the furnace for gold ; And a man is tried by his praise . 22Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with bruised grain , Yet will not his foolishness depart from him . 23Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks , And look well to thy herds : 24For riches are not for ever ; And doth the crown endure unto all generations ? 25The hay is carried , and the tender grass showeth itself, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in . 26The lambs are for thy clothing , And the goats are the price of the field ; 27And there will be goats ’ milk enough for thy food , for the food of thy household , And maintenance for thy maidens .