Proverbs 27:1-27 GNT

[1] Never boast about tomorrow. You don't know what will happen between now and then. [2] Let other people praise you-even strangers; never do it yourself. [3] The weight of stone and sand is nothing compared to the trouble that stupidity can cause. [4] Anger is cruel and destructive, but it is nothing compared to jealousy. [5] Better to correct someone openly than to let him think you don't care for him at all. [6] Friends mean well, even when they hurt you. But when an enemy puts his arm around your shoulder-watch out! [7] When you are full, you will refuse honey, but when you are hungry, even bitter food tastes sweet. [8] Anyone away from home is like a bird away from its nest. [9] Perfume and fragrant oils make you feel happier, but trouble shatters your peace of mind. [10] Do not forget your friends or your father's friends. If you are in trouble, don't ask a relative for help; a nearby neighbor can help you more than relatives who are far away. [11] Be wise, my child, and I will be happy; I will have an answer for anyone who criticizes me. [12] Sensible people will see trouble coming and avoid it, but an unthinking person will walk right into it and regret it later. [13] Any people stupid enough to promise to be responsible for a stranger's debts deserve to have their own property held to guarantee payment. [14] You might as well curse your friends as wake them up early in the morning with a loud greeting. [15] A nagging wife is like water going drip-drip-drip on a rainy day. [16] How can you keep her quiet? Have you ever tried to stop the wind or ever tried to hold a handful of oil? [17] People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron. [18] Take care of a fig tree and you will have figs to eat. Servants who take care of their master will be honored. [19] It is your own face that you see reflected in the water and it is your own self that you see in your heart. [20] Human desires are like the world of the dead-there is always room for more. [21] Fire tests gold and silver; a person's reputation can also be tested. [22] Even if you beat fools half to death, you still can't beat their foolishness out of them. [23] Look after your sheep and cattle as carefully as you can, [24] because wealth is not permanent. Not even nations last forever. [25] You cut the hay and then cut the grass on the hillsides while the next crop of hay is growing. [26] You can make clothes from the wool of your sheep and buy land with the money you get from selling some of your goats. [27] The rest of the goats will provide milk for you and your family, and for your servant women as well.