Proverbs 27:21-27

²¹Just as a crucible tests silver, and a furnace tests gold, people are tested by the praise they receive.

²²Even if you ground stupid people in a mortar, crushing them like grain with the pestle, you can't get rid of stupidity from them.

²³You should know the condition of your flocks really well and take good care of your herds,

²⁴for wealth doesn't last forever—is a crown passed down through all generations?

²⁵Once the hay is cut, and the new growth begins, and fodder from the mountains is gathered,

²⁶and the lambs have provided you wool to make clothing, and the sale of goats have paid for a field,

²⁷there'll be enough milk from your goats to feed you, your family, and your servant girls.