Never boast about tomorrow. You don’t know what will happen between now and then.
Let other people praise you-even strangers; never do it yourself.
The weight stone and sand is nothing compared to the trouble that stupidity can cause.
Anger is cruel and destructive, but it is nothing compared to jealousy.
Better to correct someone openly than to let him think you don’t care for him at all.
A friend means well, even when he hurts you. But when an enemy puts his arm round your shoulder-watch out!
When you are full, you will refuse honey, but when you are hungry, even bitter food tastes sweet.
A man away from home is like a bird away from its nest.
Perfume and fragrant ois make you feel happier, but trouble shatters your mind.
Do not forget your friends or your father’s friends. If you are in trouble, don’t ask your brother for help, a neighbour near by can help you more than a brother who is far away.
Be wise, my son, and I will be happy; I will have an answer for anyone who criticizes me.
Sensible people will see trouble coming and avoid it, but an unthinking person will walk right into it and regret it later.
Anyone stupid enough to promise to be responsible for a stranger’s debts deserves to have his own property held to guarantee payment.
You might as well curse your friend as wake him up early in the morning with a loud greeting.
A nagging wife is like water going drip-drip-drip on a rainy day. How can you keep her quiet? Have you ever tried to stop wind or ever tried to hold a handful of oil?
People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron.
Take care of a fig-tree and you will have figs to eat. A servant who takes care of his master will be honoured.
It is your own face that you see reflected in the water and it is your own self that you see in your heart.
Human desires are like the world of the dead-there is always room for more.
Fire tests gold and silver; a person’s reputation can also be tested.
Even if beat a fool until he is half dead, you still can’t beat his foolishness out of him.
Look after your sheep and cattle as carefully as you can, because wealth is not permanent. Not even nations last for ever. You cut the hay and then cut the grass on the hillsides while the next crop of hay is still growing. You can make clothes from the wool of your sheep and buy land with the money you get from selling some of your goats. The rest of the goats will provide milk for you and your family, and for your servant-girls as well.
The wicked run when no one is chasing them, but an honest person is as brave as a lion.
When a nation sins, it will have one ruler after another. But a nation will be strong and endure when it has intelligent, sensible leaders.
A man in authority who oppresses poor people is like a driving rain that destroys the crop.
If you have no regard for the law, you are on the side of the wicked; but if you obey it, you are against them.
Evil people do not know what the justice is, but those who worship the Lord understand it well.
Better to be poor and honest than rich and dishonest.
A young man who obeys the law is intelligent. One who makes friends with good-for-nothings is a disgrace to his father.
If you get rich charging interest and taking advantage of people, your wealth will go to someone who is kind to the poor.
If you do not obey the law, God will find your prayers too hateful to hear.
If you trick an honest person into doing evil, you will fall into your own trap.
The innocent will be well rewarded.
Rich people always think they are wise, but a poor person who has insight into character knows better.
When good men come to power, everybody celebrates, but when bad men rule, people stay in hiding.
You will never succeed in life if try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up; then God will show mercy to you.
Always obey the Lord and you will be happy. If you are stubborn you will be ruined.
Poor people are helpless against a wicked ruler; he is dangerous as a growling lion or a prowling bear.
A ruler without a good sense will be a cruel tyrant. One who hates dishonesty will rule a long time.
A man guilty of murder is digging his own grave as fast as he can. Don’t try to stop him.
Be honest and you will be safe. If you are dishonest, you will suddenly fall.
A hard working farmer has plenty to eat. People who waste time will always be poor.
Honest people will lead a full happy life. But if you are in a hurry get rich, you are going to be punished.
Prejudice is wrong. But some judges will do wrong to get even the smallest bribe.
Selfish people are in such a hurry to get rich that they do not know when poverty is about to strike.
Correct someone, and afterwards he will appreciate it more than flattery.
Anyone who thinks it isn’t wrong to steal from his parents is no better than a common thief.
Selfishness only causes trouble. You are much better off to trust the Lord.
It is foolish to follow your own opinions. Be safe, and follow the teachings of the wiser people.
Give to the poor and you will never be in need. If you close your eyes to the poor, many people will curse you.
People stay in hiding when bad men come to power. But when they fall from power, righteous men will rule again.