Quarrels and Restraint

1 Don’t fight with a powerful man, in case you fall into his hands. 2 Don’t quarrel with a rich man, in case he overpowers you, for gold has destroyed many, and turned away the hearts of kings. 3 Don’t argue with a loudmouthed man. Don’t pile wood on his fire.

4 Don’t make fun of a rude man, so that your ancestors are not dishonored. 5 Don’t reproach a man when he turns from sin. Remember that we are all worthy of punishment. 6 Don’t dishonor a man in his old age, for some of us are also growing old. 7 Don’t celebrate anyone’s death. Remember that we all die.

Learning from the Wise and Elderly

8 Don’t neglect the teaching of the wise. Become familiar with their proverbs, for from them you will learn discipline and how to serve important men. 9 Don’t miss the teaching of the elderly, for they also learned from their parents, because from them you will learn understanding, and to give an answer in time of need.⁠a

Prudence in Dealing with Others

10 Don’t ignite the coals of a sinner, so that you are not burned with the flame of his fire. 11 Don’t lose your temper in an insolent man’s presence, in case he lies in ambush for what you say.

12 Don’t lend to a man who is stronger than you, and if you lend, count it as a loss. 13 Don’t guarantee a debt beyond your means. If you guarantee it, think like someone who will have to pay. 14 Don’t take a judge to court, for according to his honor they will give judgment for him.

15 Don’t travel with a reckless man, in case he becomes a burden to you, for he will do as he pleases, and you will die because of his foolishness. 16 Don’t fight with a hot-tempered man. Don’t travel with him through the desert, for blood means nothing to him. Where there is no help, he will overthrow you. 17 Don’t consult with a fool, for he will not be able to keep a secret. 18 Do nothing secret in front of a stranger, for you don’t know what it will cause. 19 Don’t open your heart to every man. Don’t let him return you a favor.