1
A workman who is a drunkard will not become rich; he who despises small things will fail little by little.
2
Wine and women lead intelligent men astray, and the man who consorts with harlots is very reckless.
3
Decay and worms will inherit him, and the reckless soul will be snatched away.
4
One who trusts others too quickly is lightminded, and one who sins does wrong to himself.
5
One who rejoices in wickedness will be condemned,
6
and for one who hates gossip evil is lessened.
7
Never repeat a conversation, and you will lose nothing at all.
8
With friend or foe do not report it, and unless it would be a sin for you, do not disclose it;
9
for some one has heard you and watched you, and when the time comes he will hate you.
10
Have you heard a word? Let it die with you. Be brave! It will not make you burst!
11
With such a word a fool will suffer pangs like a woman in labor with a child.