1 Do not contend sharply with a powerful man, Lest you fall into his hands.
2 Do not quarrel with a rich man, Lest he resist your force, For gold has destroyed many And perverted the hearts of kings.
3 Do not contend sharply with a talkative man, And do not heap wood on his fire.
4 Do not jest with an uncultivated man, Lest your forefathers be insulted.
5 Do not insult a man who turns away from sin; Remember that we are all valuable.
6 Do not dishonor a man in his old age, For some of us are growing old as well.
7 Do not rejoice over any dead person; Remember that we all must die.
8 Do not disregard a say ing of the wise, But be conversant with their proverbs; Because from them you will gain instruction And how to serve noble people.
9 Do not miss a saying of the old, For they themselves learned from their fathers; Because from them you will gain understanding And be able to give an answer in time of need.
10 Do not kindle the coals of a sinner, For you may be burned by his flame.
11 Do not let the presence of an insolent man Arouse you from your seat, Lest he lie in wait as an ambush against your words.
12 Do not lend to a man stronger than you; But if you do, consider it lost.
13 Do not give surety beyond your ability to pay; But if you do give surety, be as careful as one who has to pay.
14 Do not go to law against a judge, For they will decide for him because of his reputation.
15 Do not travel on a journey with a reckless man, Lest he weigh you down; For he will do his will, And you will perish with him in his folly.
16 Do not cause a fight with an angry man, And do not go into a lonely place with him, Because murder is as nothing in his eyes, And where there is no help, he will strike you down.
17 Do not consult with a fool, For he will not keep a matter confidential.
18 Do nothing confidential in the presence of a stranger, For you do not know what he will give birth to.
19 Do not open your heart to every one, Lest unkindness be shown to you.