Proverbs

²¹As the refining pot for silver and the furnace for gold [bring forth all the impurities of the metal], so let a man be in his trial of praise [ridding himself of all that is base or insincere; for a man is judged by what he praises and of what he boasts]. ²²Even though like grain you should pound a fool in a mortar with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him. ²³Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and look well to your herds; ²⁴For riches are not forever; does a crown endure to all generations? ²⁵When the hay is gone, the tender grass shows itself, and herbs of the mountain are gathered in, ²⁶The lambs will be for your clothing, and the goats [will furnish you] the price of a field. ²⁷And there will be goats' milk enough for your food, for the food of your household, and for the maintenance of your maids.