| 1. | Do not contend with a powerful man, lest you fall into his hands. |
| 2. | Do not quarrel with a rich man, lest his resources outweigh yours; for gold has ruined many, and has perverted the minds of kings. |
| 3. | Do not argue with a chatterer, nor heap wood on his fire. |
| 4. | Do not jest with an ill-bred person, lest your ancestors be disgraced. |
| 5. | Do not reproach a man who is turning away from sin; remember that we all deserve punishment. |
| 6. | Do not disdain a man when he is old, for some of us are growing old. |
| 7. | Do not rejoice over any one's death; remember that we all must die. |
| 8. | Do not slight the discourse of the sages, but busy yourself with their maxims; because from them you will gain instruction and learn how to serve great men. |
| 9. | Do not disregard the discourse of the aged, for they themselves learned from their fathers; because from them you will gain understanding and learn how to give an answer in time of need. |
| 10. | Do not kindle the coals of a sinner, lest you be burned in his flaming fire. |
| 11. | Do not get up and leave an insolent fellow, lest he lie in ambush against your words. |
| 12. | Do not lend to a man who is stronger than you; but if you do lend anything, be as one who has lost it. |
| 13. | Do not give surety beyond your means, but if you give surety, be concerned as one who must pay. |
| 14. | Do not go to law against a judge, for the decision will favor him because of his standing. |
| 15. | Do not travel on the road with a foolhardy fellow, lest he be burdensome to you; for he will act as he pleases, and through his folly you will perish with him. |
| 16. | Do not fight with a wrathful man, and do not cross the wilderness with him; because blood is as nothing in his sight, and where no help is at hand, he will strike you down. |
| 17. | Do not consult with a fool, for he will not be able to keep a secret. |
| 18. | In the presence of a stranger do nothing that is to be kept secret, for you do not know what he will divulge. |
| 19. | Do not reveal your thoughts to every one, lest you drive away your good luck. |
