Eclesiástico, 9

1. No tengas celos de tu propia mujer, para no enseñarle a hacerte mal.

1. Do not contend with a powerful man, lest you fall into his hands.

2. No te entregues del todo a tu mujer, no sea que te llegue a dominar.

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. No vayas al encuentro de una mujer prostituta, no sea que caigas en sus redes.

3. Do not argue with a chatterer, nor heap wood on his fire.

4. Con cantadora no frecuentes el trato, para no quedar prendido en sus enredos.

4. Do not jest with an ill-bred person, lest your ancestors be disgraced.

5. No te quedes mirando a doncella, para que no incurras en su propio castigo.

5. Do not reproach a man who is turning away from sin; remember that we all deserve punishment.

6. A prostitutas no te entregues, para no perder tu herencia.

6. Do not disdain a man when he is old, for some of us are growing old.

7. No andes fisgando por los calles de la ciudad, ni divagues por sus sitios solitarios.

7. Do not rejoice over any one's death; remember that we all must die.

8. Aparta tu ojo de mujer hermosa, no te quedes mirando la belleza ajena. Por la belleza de la mujer se perdieron muchos, junto a ella el amor se inflama como fuego.

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. Junto a mujer casada no te sientes jamás, a la mesa con ella no te huelgues con vino, para que tu corazón no se desvíe hacia ella y en tu ímpetu te deslices a la ruina.

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. No abandones a un viejo amigo, porque el nuevo no le iguala. Vino nuevo, amigo nuevo, cuando sea añejo, con placer lo beberás.

10. Do not kindle the coals of a sinner, lest you be burned in his flaming fire.

11. No envidies la gloria del pecador, pues no sabes cómo se le volverá la fortuna.

11. Do not get up and leave an insolent fellow, lest he lie in ambush against your words.

12. No asientas al éxito de los impíos, recuerda que no quedarán hasta el seol impunes.

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. Ponte lejos del hombre que es capaz de matar, y no experimentarás miedo a la muerte. Si te acercas a él, no te descuides, para que no te quite la vida. Date cuenta de que pasas entre lazos y que caminas sobre el muro de la ciudad.

13. Do not give surety beyond your means, but if you give surety, be concerned as one who must pay.

14. Cuando puedas acude a tu prójimo, y con los sabios aconséjate.

14. Do not go to law against a judge, for the decision will favor him because of his standing.

15. Con los inteligentes ten conversación, y tus charlas versen sobre la Ley del Altísimo.

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. Varones justos sean tus comensales, y en el temor del Señor esté tu orgullo.

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. Por la mano del artista la obra es alabada, y el jefe del pueblo aparece sabio en su palabra.

17. Do not consult with a fool, for he will not be able to keep a secret.

18. Temible en su ciudad el hombre charlatán, el desmedido por su lenguaje se hace odioso.

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.

19. Do not reveal your thoughts to every one, lest you drive away your good luck.