9
When you have children, disaster will strike them and you will be left with nothing but sorrow. There will be great joy whenever you stumble, and even after your death you will be cursed.
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 forever.
12
Protect your reputation; it will outlive you and last longer than a thousand treasures of gold.
13
A good life lasts only so long, but a good reputation will last forever.
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 behavior. Before a ruler or an important person, be ashamed of a lie.
18
Before a judge, be ashamed of criminal behavior. Before a public assembly, be ashamed of breaking the law. Before a friend or partner, be ashamed of dishonesty.
19
Before your neighbors, 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, 22 of playing around with his slave woman (keep away from her bed!) of insulting your friends, of following up your gifts with criticism, 23 of betraying secrets. These are times when it is proper for you to be ashamed, and people will respect you for it.