More Proverbs for Life

¹Don’t fight against the powerful,

or you might fall into their hands.

²Don’t quarrel with the rich;

their resources may outweigh yours.

For gold has destroyed many

and corrupted the hearts of kings.

³Don’t argue with loudmouths;

don’t heap fuel on their fire.

⁴Don’t make fun of an ignorant man,

for he may insult your ancestors.

⁵Don’t criticize a repentant sinner;

remember, we are all guilty.

⁶Don’t despise anyone who is old,

for some of us are also growing old.

⁷Don’t rejoice at anyone’s death;

remember, we all have to die.

⁸Don’t despise the counsel of the wise,

but strive to learn their proverbs.

From them you can gain instruction

and learn how to serve the great.

⁹Don’t ignore what elderly people have to say,

for they themselves learned from their parents.

From them you can learn how to understand

and give a timely answer.

¹⁰Don’t kindle the coals of sinners,

or you may be burned in the fire of their sins.

¹¹Don’t let insolent people provoke you,

or they will trap you in your own words.

¹²Don’t lend to a person who is stronger than you—

but if you do lend something, count it as lost.

¹³Don’t give a guarantee beyond your means;

and if you put up bond money for someone, presume you will have to pay it.

¹⁴Don’t file suit against a judge;

the ruling will favor him because of his position.

¹⁵Don’t go on a journey with irresponsible people,

for their mischief will become your burden.

They will do what they wish,

and you will be ruined by their foolishness.

¹⁶Don’t quarrel with those who have short tempers,

and don’t go with them into the desert,

for bloodshed is nothing to them,

and they will strike you down when no one is near to help you.

¹⁷Don’t discuss your plans with fools,

for they can’t keep anything secret.

¹⁸Be careful what you do around strangers,

for you do not know what they will tell.

¹⁹Don’t open your heart to just anyone,

and don’t accept favors from such a person.