18
Listen to me, all you great leaders! All you leaders of the assemblies, hear what I have to say!
19
Never, as long as you live, give anyone power over you - whether son, wife, brother, or friend. Don't give your property to anyone; you might change your mind and have to ask for it back.
20
As long as you have breath in your body, don't let anyone lead your life for you.
21
It is better that your children be dependent on you than the other way around.
22
Keep control over all that you do; don't let anything stain your reputation.
23
Wait until the last moment of your life, when you are breathing your last, and then divide your property among your heirs.
24
A donkey should be given its fodder and its burden, and it should be beaten. A slave should be given food and work, and should be disciplined.
25
If you make your slave work, you can set your mind at ease. If you don't keep him busy, he will be looking for freedom.
26
You can use a harness and yoke to tame an animal, and a slave can be tortured in the stocks.
27
Keep him at work, and don't let him be idle; idleness can only teach him how to make trouble.
28
Work is what he needs. If he won't obey you, put him in chains.