19 As water reflects the face,

so one’s life reflects the heart.a

20 Death and Destructionb are never satisfied,p

and neither are human eyes.q

21 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,r

but people are tested by their praise.

22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar,

grinding them like grain with a pestle,

you will not remove their folly from them.

23 Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,s

give careful attention to your herds;

24 for riches do not endure forever,t

and a crown is not secure for all generations.

25 When the hay is removed and new growth appears

and the grass from the hills is gathered in,

26 the lambs will provide you with clothing,

and the goats with the price of a field.

27 You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed your family

and to nourish your female servants.