Can a man take fire in his bosom
And his clothes not be burned?

Or can a man walk on hot coals
And his feet not be scorched?

The spirit of a man can endure his sickness,
But as for a broken spirit who can bear it?

Many a man proclaims his own loyalty,
But who can find a trustworthy man?

Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart,
I am pure from my sin”?

Man’s steps are ordained by the Lord,
How then can man understand his way?

The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
Than seven men who can give a discreet answer.

Wrath is fierce and anger is a flood,
But who can stand before jealousy?

An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.