Proverbs 27

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27 <1> Never brag about what you will do in the future; you have no idea what tomorrow will bring.

<2> Never praise yourself. Let others do it.

<3> A stone is heavy, and sand is hard to carry, but the irritation caused by a fool is much harder to bear.

<4> Anger is cruel and can destroy like a flood, but jealousy is much worse.

<5> Open criticism is better than hidden love.

<6> You can trust what your friend says, even when it hurts. But your enemies want to hurt you, even when they act nice.

<7> When you are full, you will not even eat honey. When you are hungry, even something bitter tastes sweet.

<8> A man away from home is like a bird away from its nest.

<9> Perfume and incense make you feel good, and so does good advice from a friend.

<10> Don't forget your own friends or your father's friends. If you have a problem, go to your neighbor for help. It is better to ask a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away.

<11> My son, be wise. This will make me happy. Then I will be able to answer those who criticize me.

<12> Wise people see trouble coming and get out of its way, but fools go straight to the trouble and suffer for it.

<13> When you make a deal with a stranger, get something from him and any other foreigners with him to make sure he will pay you.

<14> Don't wake up your neighbors early in the morning with a shout of "Good morning!" They will treat it like a curse, not a blessing.

<15> A complaining wife is like water that never stops dripping on a rainy day. <16> Stopping her is like trying to stop the wind or trying to hold oil in your hand.

<17> As one piece of iron sharpens another, so friends keep each other sharp.

<18> People who take care of fig trees are allowed to eat the fruit. In the same way, people who take care of their masters will be rewarded.

<19> Just as you can see your own face reflected in water, so your heart reflects the kind of person you are.

<20> Just as the place of death and destruction is never full, people always want more and more.

<21> People use fire to purify gold and silver. In the same way, you are tested by the praise people give you.

<22> Even if you pound fools to powder like grain in a bowl, you will never force the foolishness out of them.

<23> Learn all you can about your sheep. Take care of your goats the best you can. <24> Neither wealth nor nations last forever. <25> Cut the hay, and new grass will grow. Then gather the new plants that grow on the hills. <26> Cut the wool from your lambs, and make your clothes. Sell some of your goats, and buy some land. <27> Then there will be plenty of goat's milk for you and your family, with enough to keep the servants healthy.