New English [1970], THE NEW ENGLISH BIBLE (OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS; CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE) [word count] [B16000].
To look up a word in a dictionary, select the word with your mouse and press 'd' on your keyboard.
1 Do not pit yourself against a great man,
for fear of falling into his power.
2 Do not quarrel with a rich man;
you may be sure he will outbid you.
For money has been the ruin of many
and has misled the minds of kings.
3 Do not argue with a long-winded man,
and so add fuel to his fire.
4 Never make fun of an ill-mannered man,
or you may hear your ancestors insulted.
5 Do not rebuke a man who is already penitent;
remember that we are all guilty.
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The ways of wisdom
6 Despise no man for being old;
some of us are growing old as well.
7 Do not be smug over another man's death;
remember that we must all die.
8 Do not neglect the studies of the learned,
but apply yourself to their maxims;
from these you will learn discipline,
and how to be the servant of princes.
9 Do not ignore the discourse of your elders,
for they themselves learned from their fathers;
they can teach you to understand
and to have an answer ready in time of need.
10 Do not kindle a sinner's coals,
for fear of being burnt in the flames of his fire.
11 Do not let a man's insolence bring you to your feet;
he will only sit waiting to trap you with your own words.
12 Do not lend to a man with more influence than yourself,
or, if you do, write off the loan as a loss.
13 Do not stand surety beyond your means,
and, when you do stand surety, be prepared to pay.
14 Do not go to law with a judge,
for in deference to his position they will give him the verdict.
15 Do not go travelling with a reckless man:
you may find him a burden on you.
He will do as he fancies,
and his folly will bring death on you as well.
16 Do not fall out with a hot-tempered man
or walk with him in unfrequented places;
he thinks nothing of bloodshed,
and where no help is at hand he will set upon you.
17 Never discuss your plans with a fool,
for he cannot keep a secret.
18 Do nothing private in the presence of a stranger;
you do not know what use he will make of it.
19 Do not tell what is in your mind to all comers
or accept favours from them.
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The ways of wisdom
New English [1970], THE NEW ENGLISH BIBLE (OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS; CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE) [word count] [B16000].
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