1 Don’t become an enemyinstead of a friend.If you get a bad name, you will also inherit shame and reproach,as is the case with thedeceitful sinner.
2 Don’t be enamoredof your own intelligencelest your strength be taken captivelike a bull.
3 You will devour your leaves,destroy your fruit,and leave yourself like a withered tree.
4 If you have a bad soul, it will destroy you;it will make you a joke to your enemies.
5 Pleasant speech gains more friends for itself,and a sweet-speaking tonguewill multiply pleasant exchanges.Let those who are at peace with yoube many,but let only one in a thousandbe your advisor.