10. What comes into being from nothing will return to nothing; so it will be with the godless, doomed to extinction.
11. A person's body amounts to nothing, but a good reputation will last for ever.
12. Protect your reputation; it will outlive you and last longer than a thousand treasures of gold.
13. A good life lasts only a short time, but a good reputation will last for ever.
14. My children, do as I teach you and live at peace. Wisdom that is not expressed is like a treasure that has been hidden — both are useless.
15. A person who covers up his foolishness is better than one who keeps his wisdom to himself.
16. My children, listen and I will teach you the circumstances when it is proper to be ashamed. Sometimes it is entirely out of place.
17. Before your parents, be ashamed of immoral behaviour.Before a ruler or an important person, be ashamed of a lie.
18. Before a judge, be ashamed of criminal behaviour.Before a public assembly, be ashamed of breaking the law.Before a friend or partner, be ashamed of dishonesty.
19. Before your neighbours, be ashamed of theft.Be ashamed of breaking a promise,of leaning on the dinner table with your elbows,of stinginess when you are asked for something,
20. of not returning a greeting,of staring at a prostitute,
21. of turning down a relative's request,of depriving someone of what is rightly his,of staring at another man's wife,