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.
29
But don't be too severe with anyone, and never be unfair.
30
If you have a slave, treat him as you would want to be treated; you bought him with your hard-earned money.
31
Treat him as a brother; you need him as you need yourself. If you mistreat him and he runs away, where are you going to look for him?