1. You should not quarrel with a powerful man, lest perhaps you may fall into his hands.
2. You should not contend with a wealthy man, lest perhaps he may bring an action against you.
3. For gold and silver have destroyed many, and have reached and corrupted even the hearts of kings.
4. You should not quarrel with a man who is full of words, for you should not cast wood upon his fire.
5. You should not confide in an ignorant man, lest he speak evil about your family.
6. You should not despise a man who turns himself away from sin, nor reproach him with it. Remember that we are all subject to correction.
7. You should not spurn a man in his old age. For we are all subject to growing old.
8. Do not be willing to rejoice at the death of your enemy, knowing that we all die, and that we do not want others rejoice over us.
9. You should not despise the discourse of those who are old and wise; instead, ponder their proverbs.
10. For from them, you will learn wisdom and intelligent doctrine, so as to serve great men without blame.
11. Do not allow the discourse of your elders to pass you by. For they have learned from their fathers.
12. And from them, you will learn understanding, and you will learn what response to give in a time of necessity.
13. You should not kindle the coals of sinners by arguing with them. For you might be scorched by the flame from the fire of their sins.