Proverbs 27:21-23

Common English Bible

²¹ A crucible is for silver and a furnace for gold;
    so are people in the presence of someone who praises them.
²² Even if you grind fools in a mortar,
    even grinding them along with the grain,
    their folly won’t be driven from them.
²³ Know your flock well;
    pay attention to your herds,