1. The wise and the fool (11-16)

A wise son brings joy to his father's heart. The wise foresee danger, but the fool goes blindly. A fool puts up security for a stranger. Blessing others with no heart will be taken as a curse. A quarrelsome wife makes her husband leave home.

2. As iron sharpens iron (17-22)

A friend sharpens a friend as iron sharpens iron. As one who cares for a fig tree and eats its fruits, so the one who cares for his master's interest will be rewarded. Just as death and destruction are never satisfied, neither are our desires. Man is tested by the praise he receives. If he becomes proud, he is a fool.

3. Give careful attention to your herds (23-27)

A good shepherd must pay attention to his flock and know their conditions-like how many are among them, whether they are sick or not, if they are hungry or thirsty. The flocks are their crown, for the lambs provide their clothing and the goats their milk.