4 In the shaking of a sieve, the refuse remains,

so does the filth of man in his thoughts.

5 The furnace tests the potter’s vessels;

so the test of a person is in his thoughts.

6 The fruit of a tree discloses its cultivation,

so is the utterance of the thought of a person’s heart.

7 Praise no man before you hear his thoughts,

for this is how people are tested.

8 If you follow righteousness, you will obtain it,

and put it on like a long robe of glory.

9 Birds will return to their own kind,

so truth will return to those who practise it.

10 The lion lies in wait for prey.

So does sin for those who do evil.

11 The discourse of a godly man is always wise,

but the fool changes like the moon.

12 Limit your time amongst people void of understanding,

but persevere amongst the thoughtful.

13 The talk of fools is offensive.

Their laughter is wantonly sinful.

14 Their talk with much swearing makes hair stand upright.

Their strife makes others plug their ears.

15 The strife of the proud leads to bloodshed.

Their abuse of each other is a grievous thing to hear.