7 In fact, what other great nation has a god so near to them like the Lord our God whenever we call on him? 8 And what other great nation has statutes and ordinances as just as this whole law that I am about to share with you today? 9 Again, however, pay very careful attention, lest you forget the things you have seen and disregard them for the rest of your life; instead teach them to your children and grandchildren. 10 You stood before the Lord your God at Horeb and he said to me, “Assemble the people before me so that I can tell them my commands. Then they will learn to revere me all the days they live in the land, and they will instruct their children.” 11 You approached and stood at the foot of the mountain, a mountain ablaze to the sky above it and yet dark with a thick cloud.

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.