20Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,
         Nor are the eyes of man ever satisfied.

21The crucible is for silver and the furnace for gold,
         And each is tested by the praise accorded him.

22Though you pound a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain,
         Yet his foolishness will not depart from him.

23Know well the condition of your flocks,
         And pay attention to your herds;

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

25When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen,
         And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,

26The lambs will be for your clothing,
         And the goats will bring the price of a field,

27And there will be goats’ milk enough for your food,
         For the food of your household,
         And sustenance for your maidens.

NASB ©1995