16 Shevat [Jan 18] — Aristocracy. In a new Nafshi posting (23-01), Mishlei presents a set of three proverbs advising ordinary people to avoid being unfairly manipulated when dealing with the aristocrats of the community. The term “aristocrats” is used here to refer to influential people whose importance and wealth gives them a higher status. Such people may be tempted to unwittingly use their position to exert power over less important individuals.