17. Weep bitterly and passionately; observe the proper period of mourning for the person. Mourn for a whole day or maybe two, to keep people from talking, but then pull yourself together and reconcile yourself to the loss.
18. Grief can undermine your health and even lead to your own death.
19. Grief lingers on after the death of a loved one, but it is not wise to let it lead you into poverty.
20. Don't lose yourself in sorrow; drive it away. Remember that we must all die sometime.
21. There is no way to bring the dead person back. All your sorrow does him no good, and it hurts you. Don't forget that.
22. You will die, just as he did. Today it was his turn; tomorrow it will be yours.
23. When the dead have been laid to rest, let the memory of them fade. Once they are gone, take courage.
24. Scholars must have time to study if they are going to be wise; they must be relieved of other responsibilities.
25. How can a farmhand gain knowledge, when his only ambition is to drive the oxen and make them work, when all he is able to talk about is livestock?
26. He takes great pains to plough a straight furrow and will work far into the night to feed the animals.
27. It is the same with the artist and the craftsman, who work night and day engraving precious stones, carefully working out new designs. They take great pains to produce a lifelike image, and will work far into the night to finish the work.
28. It is the same with the blacksmith at his anvil, planning what he will make from a piece of iron. The heat from the fire sears his skin as he sweats away at the forge. The clanging of the hammer deafens him as he carefully watches the object he is working take shape. He takes great pains to complete his task, and will work far into the night to bring it to perfection.
29. It is the same with the potter, sitting at his wheel and turning it with his feet, always concentrating on his work, concerned with how many objects he can produce.