17. Barzel (iron) sharpeneth barzel (iron); so one ish sharpeneth another.
18. He who is guard over the te'enah (fig tree) shall eat the p'ri (fruit) thereof, so he that is shomer over his adon shall be honored.
19. As mayim reflecteth the face, so one lev ha'adam reflects another.
20. Sheol and Avaddon are never full; so the eynayim of adam are never satisfied.
21. As the crucible is for kesef, and the furnace for zahav; so is an ish tested by the praise he receives.
22. Though thou shouldest grind a fool in the makhtesh (mortar) among grain with the pestle, yet will not his folly be removed from him.
23. Be thou diligent to know the condition of thy tzon, and look well to thy adarim (flocks).
24. For riches are not l'olam (forever); and doth the nezer (crown) endure dor vador?
25. The hay is removed, and the deshe (tender grass) showeth itself, and herbs of the harim are gathered,
26. The kevasim (lambs) are for thy clothing, and the goats are the purchase price of the sadeh.
27. And thou shalt have cholov of izzim (goats) enough for thy lechem, for the lechem of thy bais, and for the nourishment of thy na'arot (servant girls).