- 1
- Striue not with a mighty man, lest thou fall into his hands.
- 2
- Bee not at variance with a rich man, lest he ouerweigh thee: for gold hath destroyed many, and peruerted the hearts of kings.
- 3
- Striue not with a man that is full of tongue, and heape not wood vpon his fire.
- 4
- Iest not with a rude man, lest thy ancestours be disgraced.
- 5
- Reproch not a man that turneth from sinne, but remember that we are all worthy of punishment.
- 6
- Dishonour not a man in his old age: for euen some of vs waxe old.
- 7
- Reioice not ouer thy greatest enemie being dead, but remember that we die all.
- 8
- Despise not the discourse of the wise, but acquaint thy selfe with their prouerbs;
for of them thou shalt learne instruction, & how to serue great men with ease.
- 9
- Misse not the discourse of the Elders: for they also learned of their fathers, and of them thou shalt learne vnderstanding, and to giue answere as need requireth.
- 10
- Kindle not the coales of a sinner, lest thou be burnt with the flame of his fire.
- 11
- Rise not vp (in anger) at the presence of an iniurious person, least he lie in waite to entrap thee in thy words.
- 12
- Lend not vnto him that is mightier then thy selfe;
for if thou lendest him, count it but lost.
- 13
- Be not surety aboue thy power: for if thou be surety, take care to pay it.
- 14
- Goe not to law with a iudge, for they will iudge for him according to his honour.
- 15
- Trauaile not by the way with a bold fellow, least he become grieuous vnto thee: for he will doe according to his owne will, and thou shalt perish with him through his folly.
- 16
- Striue not with an angry man, and goe not with him into a solitary place: for blood is as nothing in his sight, and where there is no helpe, he will ouerthrow thee.
- 17
- Consult not with a foole;
for he cannot keepe counsell.
- 18
- Doe no secret thing before a stranger, for thou knowest not what he will bring forth.
- 19
- Open not thine heart to euery man, least he requite thee with a shrewd turne.
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