Proverbs 27

1Don’t brag about tomorrow,

since you don’t know what the day will bring.

2Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth—

a stranger, not your own lips.

3A stone is heavy and sand is weighty,

but the resentment caused by a fool is even heavier.

4Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood,

but jealousy is even more dangerous.

5An open rebuke

is better than hidden love!

6Wounds from a sincere friend

are better than many kisses from an enemy.

7A person who is full refuses honey,

but even bitter food tastes sweet to the hungry.

8A person who strays from home

is like a bird that strays from its nest.

9The heartfelt counsel of a friend

is as sweet as perfume and incense.

10Never abandon a friend—

either yours or your father’s.

When disaster strikes, you won’t have to ask your brother for assistance.

It’s better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away.

11Be wise, my child,* and make my heart glad.

Then I will be able to answer my critics.