22 ^aThough you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain,
Yet his foolishness will not depart from him. ‡

23 Be diligent to know the state of your ^aflocks,
And attend to your herds; ‡

24 For riches are not forever,
Nor does a crown endure to all generations.

25 ^aWhen the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself,
And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, ‡

26 The lambs will provide your clothing,
And the goats the price of a field;

27 You shall have enough goats’ milk for your food,
For the food of your household,
And the nourishment of your maidservants.