Chapter 8

Strive not with a mighty man' lest thou fall into his hands.

²Be not at variance with a rich man, lest he overweigh thee: for gold hath destroyed many, and perverted the hearts of kings.

³Strive not with a man that is full of tongue, and heap not wood upon his fire.

⁴Jest not with a rude man, lest thy ancestors be disgraced.

⁵Reproach not a man that turneth from sin, but remember that we are all worthy of punishment.

⁶Dishonour not a man in his old age: for even some of us wax old.

⁷Rejoice not over thy greatest enemy being dead, but remember that we die all.

⁸Despise not the discourse of the wise, but acquaint thyself with their proverbs: for of them thou shalt learn instruction, and how to serve great men with ease.

⁹Miss not the discourse of the elders: for they also learned of their fathers, and of them thou shalt learn understanding, and to give answer as need requireth.

¹⁰Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest thou be burnt with the flame of his fire.

¹¹Rise not up in anger at the presence of an injurious person, lest he lie in wait to entrap thee in thy words

¹²Lend not unto him that is mightier than thyself; for if thou lendest him, count it but lost.

¹³Be not surety above thy power: for if thou be surety, take care to pay it.

¹⁴Go not to law with a judge; for they will judge for him according to his honour.

¹⁵Travel not by the way with a bold fellow, lest he become grievous unto thee: for he will do according to his own will, and thou shalt perish with him through his folly.

¹⁶Strive not with an angry man, and go not with him into a solitary place: for blood is as nothing in his sight, and where there is no help, he will overthrow thee.

¹⁷Consult not with a fool; for he cannot keep counsel.

¹⁸Do no secret thing before a stranger; for thou knowest not what he will bring forth.

¹⁹Open not thine heart to every man, lest he requite thee with a shrewd turn.