6. Do not exalt yourself before a sovereign, And do not stand in the place of great men;
7. For it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” Than that you should be put lower Before a noble whom your eyes have seen.
8. Do not go forth to strive in haste, For what would you do in the end, When your neighbour has put you to shame?
9. Plead your case with your neighbour himself, And do not disclose the secret of another;
10. Lest he who hears it put you to shame, And your evil report turn not back.
11. A word spoken at the right time Is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
12. A ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, Is a wise one’s reproof to an ear that hears.
13. Like the cold of snow in time of harvest Is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the life of his masters.
14. He who boasts of his gifts falsely Is like clouds and wind without rain.
15. Through patience a ruler is persuaded, And a soft tongue shatters a bone.
16. Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Lest you be satisfied with it and vomit.
17. Make your foot rare in your neighbour’s house, Lest he gets enough of you and hate you.
18. A man bearing false witness against his neighbour Is like a club and a sword and a sharp arrow.