“‘Observe – everyone who quotes proverbs will quote this proverb about you: “Like mother, like daughter.”

Your maxims ¹  are proverbs of ashes; ²  your defenses ³  are defenses of clay. ⁴ 

He has flung me into the mud, and I have come to resemble dust and ashes.

To whom can you compare and liken me? Tell me whom you think I resemble, so we can be compared!

but, despite their wealth, people do not last, ¹  they are like animals ²  that perish. ³ 

Wealthy people do not understand; ¹  they are like animals ²  that perish. ³ 

That is why those who speak in proverbs ¹  say, “Come to Heshbon, let it be built. Let the city of Sihon be established! ² 

All of them respond to you, saying: ‘You too have become weak like us! You have become just like us!

“Son of man, offer a riddle, ¹  and tell a parable to the house of Israel.

By David. To you, O Lord, I cry out! My protector, ²  do not ignore me! ³  If you do not respond to me, ⁴  I will join ⁵  those who are descending into the grave. ⁶ 

Answer me quickly, Lord! My strength is fading. ¹  Do not reject me, ²  or I will join ³  those descending into the grave. ⁴ 

“What do you mean by quoting this proverb concerning the land of Israel, “‘The fathers eat sour grapes And the children’s teeth become numb?’ ¹ 

“As surely as I live, declares the sovereign Lord, ¹  you will not quote this proverb in Israel anymore!

Then I said, “O sovereign Lord! They are saying of me, ‘Does he not simply speak in eloquent figures of speech?’”

Recite a proverb to this rebellious house ¹  and say to them, ‘This is what the sovereign Lord says: “‘Set on the pot, ²  set it on, pour water in it too;

Therefore tell them, ‘This is what the sovereign Lord says: I hereby end this proverb; they will not recite it in Israel any longer.’ But say to them, ‘The days are at hand when every vision will be fulfilled. ¹