9. Don’t reject the words of the aged,because they also learnedfrom their elders,and you will learn understandingfrom themand how to give an answerwhen it is necessary.
10. Don’t stoke up the coals of a sinner,and don’t let his fire set you ablaze.
11. Don’t rise out of your seatin the presence of insolent persons,because they might set a trapfor what you say.
12. Don’t lend to peoplewho are more powerful than you,but if you do lend,treat it as though it were lost.
13. Don’t guarantee a loanbeyond your ability,and if you do guarantee one,consider that you will need to pay.
14. Don’t go to court with a judge;people will judge himaccording to his prestige.
15. Don’t walk on the roadwith reckless people,or you will bearthe weight of your mistakes.They will walk wherever they want,and you will be destroyedbecause of their foolishness.
16. Don’t get in a fightwith hot-tempered people,and don’t travel through the desertwith them,because spilling blood is nothing to them,and where there’s no one to help,they will strike you down.
17. Don’t consult with fools,because they can’t keep a secret.
18. Don’t do anything in front of strangersthat should be kept hidden,for you don’t know what they will reveal.
19. Don’t open your heart to just anyone,and don’t accept a favor from just anyone.