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Prudence and Common Sense

8Do not contend with the powerful,
   or you may fall into their hands.
² Do not quarrel with the rich,
   in case their resources outweigh yours;
for gold has ruined many,
   and has perverted the minds of kings.
³ Do not argue with the loud of mouth,
   and do not heap wood on their fire.

⁴ Do not make fun of one who is ill-bred,
   or your ancestors may be insulted.
⁵ Do not reproach one who is turning away from sin;
   remember that we all deserve punishment.
⁶ Do not disdain one who is old,
   for some of us are also growing old.
⁷ Do not rejoice over anyone’s death;
   remember that we must all die.

⁸ Do not slight the discourse of the sages,
   but busy yourself with their maxims;
because from them you will learn discipline
   and how to serve princes.
⁹ Do not ignore the discourse of the aged,
   for they themselves learned from their parents;^*
from them you learn how to understand
   and to give an answer when the need arises.

¹⁰ Do not kindle the coals of sinners,
   or you may be burned in their flaming fire.
¹¹ Do not let the insolent bring you to your feet,
   or they may lie in ambush against your words.
¹² Do not lend to one who is stronger than you;
   but if you do lend anything, count it as a loss.
¹³ Do not give surety beyond your means;
   but if you give surety, be prepared to pay.

¹⁴ Do not go to law against a judge,
   for the decision will favour him because of his standing.
¹⁵ Do not go travelling with the reckless,
   or they will be burdensome to you;
for they will act as they please,
   and through their folly you will perish with them.
¹⁶ Do not pick a fight with the quick-tempered,
   and do not journey with them through lonely country,
because bloodshed means nothing to them,
   and where no help is at hand they will strike you down.
¹⁷ Do not consult with fools,
   for they cannot keep a secret.
¹⁸ In the presence of strangers do nothing that is to be kept secret,
   for you do not know what they will divulge.^*
19 Do not reveal your thoughts to anyone,
   or you may drive away your happiness.^*